Understeer...

[KingNine]

Has anyone else noticed any understeer characteristics? Most noticable at freeway speeds (70+ mph).

[randyzimmer]

Following my brother's Sti on an on-ramp after go-kart racing, it was obvious.
The more I drive it (only 210 miles so far) the more it reminds me of the Beetles.
side wind, door hard to close without a window open, push, floor mounted pedals, rear engine, slow to heat up.
But better in every way too.

[Smartcarracer]

Left foot braking and trail braking with left foot braking helps to reduce the understeering.

I noticed once (on track) the stability ECU program kick in when I started to slide (at the limit of slip angle) and a wash-out effect of understeer to a slightover steer occured.

Please be careful.

[MarkB]

Yes this is one of my biggest gripes of the 451. The overprotective ECU which causes understeer. I truly hope an aftermarket solution arrives allowing people to bypass or adjust it's intrusion.

[smartcenterSeattle]

Originally Posted by Smartcarracer

Left foot braking and trail braking with left foot braking helps to reduce the understeering.

I noticed once (on track) the stability ECU program kick in when I started to slide (at the limit of slip angle) and a wash-out effect of understeer to a slightover steer occured.

Please be careful.

When I drove the cars on track in Detroit, I too noticed that trail braking not only got rid of the under steer, but also kept the stability program from activating as early. There are some ways to correct the under steer issue off track as well I have heard. Adding adjustable camber angle front suspension with lowering it an inch or so is an economical way to tighten it up. You’re going to sacrifice some ride quality though.

Have you tracked a smart with power steering? Is it worse or better?

[SMARTIEPANTS]

with two degrees of negative camber in the rear and the smaller tires up front, you are not likely to hit the wall with the rear

[4-2NV]

Originally Posted by Smartcarracer

Left foot braking and trail braking with left foot braking helps to reduce the understeering.

I noticed once (on track) the stability ECU program kick in when I started to slide (at the limit of slip angle) and a wash-out effect of understeer to a slightover steer occured.

Please be careful.

Please describe "trail braking". Can't say I've heard the term before.

[4-2NV]

Originally Posted by randyzimmer

Following my brother's Sti on an on-ramp after go-kart racing, it was obvious.
The more I drive it (only 210 miles so far) the more it reminds me of the Beetles.
side wind, door hard to close without a window open, push, floor mounted pedals, rear engine, slow to heat up.
But better in every way too.

Just what I've been saying to folks who ask about the experience, but with more power. Closest comparo. Even moreso if you had a Super Beetle with the "automatic stick shift"...

[jonnysan]

For Godsakes, fellas, the smart is a first year model (in the US) micro car designed to be driven in and around urban areas with great ease and maneuverability. It has a short wheelbase and WILL get squirrelly if you are trying to drive it like a Porsche or some other race designed car.
Lets not make the smart look like it's some form of a rejected, poorly designed car because you can't turn it on a dime at 70!!.
It has been stated time and time again that at freeway speeds of 65 or more, you have to "drive the car" and most have accepted that as fact cause it is.
In it's stock form I am sure MB didn't intend for one to have to use braking tactics to control understeer when you're going faster than you should be around a curve.
I'm no racer and I find the smart to be perfectly agile when driven as it should be and I never drive like an old lady (or man) and never will....

John

[MarkB]

Originally Posted by jonnysan

For Godsakes, fellas, the smart is a first year model (in the US) micro car designed to be driven in and around urban areas with great ease and maneuverability. It has a short wheelbase and WILL get squirrelly if you are trying to drive it like a Porsche or some other race designed car.
Lets not make the smart look like it's some form of a rejected, poorly designed car because you can't turn it on a dime at 70!!.
It has been stated time and time again that at freeway speeds of 65 or more, you have to "drive the car" and most have accepted that as fact cause it is.
In it's stock form I am sure MB didn't intend for one to have to use braking tactics to control understeer when you're going faster than you should be around a curve.
I'm no racer and I find the smart to be perfectly agile when driven as it should be and I never drive like an old lady (or man) and never will....

John

Thanks for the talk dad, so now can I borrow the car?