Considering the modest power output of the Xfire, does anyone else think all the safety features are overkill? I'm all for a safe car, but traction & stability control - that "learns" driver behavior - just seems like overkill. It's not like this is some dangerous, tire-shredding torque monster. Seems like needless extra weight and complexity that could cut into performance. I've driven all kinds of cars, including RWD, in every type of weather and I've never wrecked one. I'd be all for a little less safety and a little more zip. Still love the car, though.

 

I don't think so-not only can you turn it off, but how much can wires and a module add to the weight of a car? Under 10 pounds I'd assume...

 

In my former '03 MB E500 it had the same safety features. I would assume it was a sharing of technologies from MB to chrysler.

 

Probably true, but you can't really turn it completely off. Do we need all this protection from 215 hp?

 

No but some need it trying to push the limits on a public street. I actually am happy this car has all these features with it being my Wife's primary car.

 

Most of this stuff comes as an integral part of the latest engine management systems that the manufacturers source from Bosch and Marelli et al. In Europe you even get ESP/TC BAS/ABS on 70 HP superminis. It effectively costs very little for the manufacturer to implement and fills out the spec sheet very nicely. It undoubtedly saves lives but I think it gives people a false sense of security. It can save people from situations they should never have got into in the first place, and they won't even be aware that it happened.

 

Too much safety, what are you nuts? It's not the horsepower that will kill you it is speed that will punch your ticket. I for one really appreciate the safety features incorporated into the Crossfire especially when cruising on a mountain road or coastal highway and come up on a curve while you're doing 2X the posted speed and catch a little gravel or you have deer pop out on the road. The car may not be as powerful as others in it's class but it sure can handle curves and is very stable even in emergency circumstances.

 

What do you expect from a Hillary Clinton-Rodham supporter? All you can say is that Medacritic is a Type-A adrenaline risk taker!

 

A moron in a 3 cylinder Geo Metro can still lose control of it and kill people. I see it as good thing. Besides, I find it to be a positive thing in my SRT. When I'm pushing it hard, it reminds me of where the limits are, and the SRT NEEDS the traction control sometimes.

 

If I'm not mistaken, those features will soon be standard on ALL vehicles, which is a good thing...

 

Amazing how things change. About a year ago there were a number of (young aggressive) driver's that were advocating leaving it in the off position because it "interfered" with their spirited driving techniques. They convinced one of the members to write how much "better" the car handled without it, "...especially in the rain!" ...WRONG!!!

Woody and others put it very clearly. I fell it can be equated to anti-lock braking systems. They are great and have saved me from a collision a couple times. But, there have been reports of people misunderstanding their use and driving more aggressively because they think the ALB system will save them.

For doing "dirty donuts" and track events, turn the TC/SC off otherwise leave it on...glad to have it.

 

The SMART has ESP, ABS, Brake assist, ETC.

 

ESP and ABS are (in the USA) federally mandated to be on ALL vehicles come 2008.

These are required by law... what you do with them after that is up to you.

To the turning off traction control for 'Dirty Donuts'... Woody actually was able to turn off the ESP entirely (hack or disconnected module and sensors). I will be doing the same soon for a little 'fun' in a circle as I bid farewell to my old tires.

I WILL put it all back for daily driving though as those systems are there for a reason. Loosing control of a vehicle in a crowded urban environment = bad. At the track I may even get brave enough to turn off the traction control by it's switch, but I have a ways to go to get to the point where I will disable ESP while on the track... I mean I still have to learn how to trail brake!

To each their own... but be safe... *HUGS*

 

Don't forget...that 215 hp gets you up to 155...

 

EXACTLY!!!

Try this trick...

The next time it rains, find an empty parking lot (BIG ONE) and get the car up to about 40 MPH and YANK the Steering wheel as hard and fast as you can and see what happens...

Now do the same thing with the ESP OFF. Now, after you change your underwear, you can tell me how it has no place in these cars...

 

Eh safety takes a away the fun... you just have to decide for yourself what is more important to you, but I guess like many things the government believes that it is better that it makes the decision and not you...

Now what would really be great is that button for traction control on or even more on could actually be on or off...

 

Who said I support HRC?

 

Interesting info. Thx.

 

Here's a news flash for you guys, the official HRC stands for Human Rights Campaign, which is a Gays right lobbying group in DC. I stumbled into a march of theirs while on a weekend trip up there and learned the hard way. Apparently the organization is HUGE as they have a 30 story headquarters they just built right downtown.

So, I guess if you do support the HRC, then at least we know what team you catch for, not that there is anything wrong with that...