There is much correspondence on both here and in the press about being able to turn ESP off. Is it not possible to exploit the software and turn it off by remapping the ECU in some way?

Safety features like the ESP and such are controlled by a seperate ECU to the one accessed when remapping an engine.

However thats not to say their isn't a way to do it. It will be possible if you want it off to have it all switched off.

The Beast said:

Safety features like the ESP and such are controlled by a separate ECU to the one accessed when remapping an engine.

However thats not to say their isn't a way to do it. It will be possible if you want it off to have it all switched off.

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No its not, the Bosch ECU (i thnk ME7 on modern cars) controls everything including the headlamps.

Even the brake calipers are Bosch, everything is interlinked, engine mapping, fly-by-wire throttle, ABS, ESP, traction control all controlled by one unit, makes it cheaper to produce and easier to fit for manufacturers, just about every European manufacturer uses Bosch now.

For example when you press the accelerator the ECU works out how much torque wheel can transmit and opens fly-by wire accordingly, or if traction is breached either brings brake on on that wheel to slow its spin down and retards fly-by-wire at same time, all of course monitored by ABS sensors as they record wheel speed, ie wheel stops its locked to releases brake, wheel spins to fast its spinning etc etc

But I agree too many cars are built with silly nannying facilities built in making drivers less talented as they have been nurtured on cars that help them out. They plant throttle cars work out how much to accelerate, plant brake peddle cars works out how much to brake, go to fast into corner, car works out what to do, but when the electronics fail and they will have a limit the driver is left helpless.

I believe it a real contributory factor in drivers being less careful and considerate on roads now than they were even just 10 years ago as they feel too safe and drive with an attitude of "I'm alright Jack"

On track Abarth 500 looks brilliant, hopefully once off a super smooth test track that is not representative of where the car will be used it can deliver proper driver thrills on a bumpy British A or B roads, thats a true test.

sikersh said:

Don't get me wrong, I'm no 'boring' driver, I do like to throw my cars around a lot and push them hard (sometimes too hard), I just think on normal roads you can't be sliding into corners etc, no doubt the Abarth SS will be more for the track.

I honestly don't think the Abarth is all about going really fast, thats why its only 135HP, I think its just meant to be fun, but not stupid fun, if you get me?

Maybe not, but plenty of other people would be!!

It is a shame though they don't let you turn the ESP off, but I think the 500 will make it up in a lot of different ways. Me, I love Fiats, if the Twingo was 180HP and was the same price I'd still go for the Abarth, just because I know it'll be a better 'car' overall.

Si

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I must admit i'm very naughty i do tend to slide cars about even on regular roads. A bit of fun on the 'goonabout' on the way to work is a good way to start the day i like to think.

I know the Abarth won't be really fast I accept that. My Teg will run rings round it I know that and thats fine. But the Teg would be a nightmare for hte kind of driving at work that i do as its not the most manouverable car in town.

If they let you turn the ESP off reckon it'd be top of my list. As they won't its now not a contender anymore unfortunately.

500 uses 8.1

The Beast said:

500 uses 8.1

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Oh yeah moved on now forgot it was series 8 now even more integrated.

These modern ECU's do not even allow heal and toeing as it interpolates the accelerator and brake peddle being pushed at same time as a driver error and doesn't open fly-by-wire throttle.

Also the Body computer the main control unit is made by Delphi not Bosch.