So I know that the new GTS models have ASC (active stability control). But not exactly sure what it is, is it basically just traction control. And how well does it work?

 

I hate it. Hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it.

"ASC OFF" = best button ever invented, only it's annoying that I have to hold it for three dang seconds before it kicks in. Seriously? If I know what it is and what it does, I should not have to hold it down for three seconds. I AM CERTAIN THAT I WANT IT OFF.

I'll admit that ASC isn't all bad--it's pretty useful in the rain. It's just overly paranoid in the dry and likes to throw on the brakes for me if it thinks I'm going to have some wheelspin. Grr. This infuriates me if I'm trying to pull out onto a busy street.

I think it's just traction control--stupidly paranoid traction control. Arrrrggghhh. There may be more to it, but that's the part that really annoys the poop out of me about it.

 

Trust me, you aren't missing much. It is very intrusive while making the car more idiot proof. You have to turn it off if you want to enjoy spirited driving.

 

I'm not truely sure how much this matters... but at the last autocross event I went to, for my first 5 runs, I had very consistent times, and then in my last, 6th run, I left my ASC on, "just to see," and wound up improving by ~ .9 secounds. Beyond just raw time, it did feel like I was exiting corners a little bit quicker. Now, this is a very unscientific test of the ASC, and I'm still skeptical about wanting it on (ever), but it's started to make me think about its effectiveness. It's possible that there's some sort of secret power to it.. or maybe not.

I have also noticed that at higher speeds on roads (above 55-60), it's a little bit more touchy, and will turn on while going around a corner under perfect control, so its possible that at lower speeds, it's effective, but at highway speeds, is over-cautionary.

All-in-all, it's really not necessary outside of the law requirements, as long as you understand how to drive your car.

 

Heh, I accidentally left mine on for an autocross and it went off mid-corner doing its usual "here, let me brake that for you" business.

If there were small children within earshot, they learned a few new words that day.

 

the way asc works is "true traction control". since you have drive by wire it not only applies the brakes when needed but also cuts throttle as well. i don't mind it very much when driving the gts, have lots of fun with it on.

 

at the same time...ALOT OF GAS BURN... while it is on

 

Hmm--since replacing the stock tires with stickier rubber, I've noticed that it's a lot less paranoid. I know it's because these are harder to break loose, but it was still pretty dang irritating to have it kick in every time I even looked at the gas pedal funny with the OEM tires.

 

I know I don't have a GTS, but the ASC on my Ralliart does get annoying at times. I can simply do a u-turn and try to quickly speed up, the ASC will almost stop the car by itself as I'm about to get hit by a driver not paying attention to me. Yes, it does work well in bad weather.

However, my girlfriend's '11 ES has ASC, and even with me driving the car I have yet to get it to come on. Maybe because it's a non-Sportronic CVT? Lol

 

the 2011 gts i drive hardly ever comes on. i like it.

 

I'm assuming this only comes on the 2010+ GTS models, I don't have it and I'm glad I don't have it.

 

my '08 gt dont have it either and hearing you'll issues wow man..but i hear wheel spin is bad for the CVT..why.?

 

I have a mani, but its bad for the CVT because of what you have to do to get the wheels to spin. Its something like putting it in neutral, revving, and throwing it into drive. And i have ASC in my gts as well and its whatever. If you take a corner to hard and loss a little traction it will cut the throttle.. its super sensitive. IMO just turn it off if you want.

 

i wouldnt try somting like that wit cvt cuz that belt drive is gonna pop..
but accelerating out of a corner torque steer is a b*tch at times...