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Report: Sporty Volkswagen Models Getting More Lenient Stability Control

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of... More

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2011 Volkswagen Golf R

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Volkswagen Golf R

Soon, the U.S. will finally get a taste of the Volkswagen R goodness that the rest of the world has been enjoying for the past couple of years. Of course, we’re talking about the high-performance Volkswagen Golf R, which will be heading to local showrooms towards the end of the year.

However, so far the cars have had one major shortcoming: an electronic stability control system that was too strict. This meant that the system would intervene too quickly and too severely compared to nanny systems on competitor models, which in turn meant drivers weren’t able to push their cars during spirited driving.

That’s all about to change, according to a new report. Autocar claims that Volkswagen’s 2012 model year Golf GTI and upcoming Golf R will be equipped with a more lenient stability control system, one that can even be completely disabled by the driver.

By pressing a button on the dash once, drivers can reportedly disable the traction control. Pressing it and holding it for three seconds, meanwhile, is said to fully disable both traction control and electronic braking systems.

There is a failsafe, however. The system is said to kick back into action if the driver presses the brake during an ‘emergency’ situation, such as when the vehicle loses control or has too much wheelspin. If the driver doesn’t apply the brake during such situations, the stability control system will remain off.

The first models with the new, more lenient stability control should be available this summer.

[Autocar]