Launch control is an electronic aid designed to help a car accelerate from a standstill as quickly as possible by managing wheelspin and optimizing power delivery. It's essentially a computer-controlled method for achieving a perfect, repeatable launch, which is crucial for competitive driving or achieving the best possible 0-60 mph acceleration time.
Here’s how it typically works: the driver brings the car to a complete stop, selects the correct drive mode (often "Sport+" or "Track"), presses the brake pedal firmly with their left foot, and then floors the accelerator with their right foot. The engine's electronic control unit (ECU) will hold the engine at a specific RPM (revolutions per minute) where it produces its peak torque. When the driver releases the brake, the system precisely modulates traction control and throttle to prevent the wheels from spinning excessively, channeling maximum power to the pavement.
It's important to understand that launch control is a high-stress operation for the drivetrain, including the clutch, transmission, driveshafts, and differential. Most manufacturers explicitly state limits on its use in the owner's manual to prevent premature wear or damage; for example, some may advise a cooling-off period between consecutive launches.
The performance benefit is measurable. The table below shows the difference in acceleration times for several performance cars when using launch control versus a skilled driver attempting a manual launch.
| Car Model | 0-60 mph with Launch Control | 0-60 mph without Launch Control |
|---|
| Porsche 911 Carrera S | 2.9 seconds | 3.3 seconds |
| BMW M3 Competition | 3.8 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 2.3 seconds | 2.6 seconds |
| Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 3.6 seconds | 4.0 seconds |
| Audi RS 6 Avant | 3.3 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
Ultimately, launch control is a fantastic tool for extracting maximum performance in a safe, controlled environment like a drag strip or a track. For daily driving, it's more of a party trick, and frequent use can lead to expensive repairs not covered by warranty if performed outside the manufacturer's guidelines.
