Fifth Gear Explains ESP in Sweden - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Carl242 · 03-21-2009, 12:24 PM

OK, so there are no Smarts in this video, but it DOES do a very good explanation of ESP, including a demonstration involving a Styrofoam wall and an ice lake. Enjoy.

YouTube - Top Gear - Fifth Gear - Bosch ESP

smartmike · 03-21-2009, 03:29 PM

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

Michael

windscythe · 03-21-2009, 09:41 PM

That was neat to see. Thanks for posting it!

Neonspinnazz · 03-21-2009, 11:51 PM

*claps*

Woody14619 · 03-23-2009, 03:00 PM

Amazing... This has been discussed in other threads too, with people wanting to turn it off thinking it will keep them from getting stuck if they can spin the tires to get out. The incline test here really shows where that's not true. Having traction on gives you a better chance at going, as it did in the video.

I was worried when he went to test ESP without a helmet and neck brace on. That test could have easily flipped the car, and he's lucky he didn't wind up flipped. (It looked like he got a little whiplash as it was...) I've felt each system trip in my smart while testing it out on the snow and ice up here (usually in an abandoned lot), and on the rare occasion they've turned on in traffic (black ice, etc) I've been glad they were on!

fpage77 · 03-23-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody14619

The incline test here really shows where that's not true. Having traction on gives you a better chance at going, as it did in the video.

The smart has ESP but no traction control.

GHammerly · 03-23-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

The smart has ESP but no traction control.

smart has traction control too.

Woody14619 · 03-24-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

The smart has ESP but no traction control.

Uh yeah, it does. Page 77 talks about the ESP, stating:

Quote:

Depending on the driving situation, the ESP®
• will reduce the speed,
• selectively brakes individual wheels,
• equalizes the speed of the driven wheels,
• stabilizes the vehicle when braking,
• assists you in evasive maneuvers on all roads.

Items 2 and 3 are effectively traction control.

On the main smart website, you can look at the "How does the smart handle in the snow" item, and it lists:

Quote:

The smart fortwo standard active safety systems - Electronic Stability Program (esp®), traction control, cornering brake control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist - help drivers stay in control on snowy and icy terrains.

Karl Roth · 03-25-2009, 09:42 AM

No sedan currently for sale on the US market will roll (flip) without getting tripped hitting a curb or something similar. The SUV's that everyone thinks are so safe on the other hand will. Our cars wear the different size tires to prevent exactly that from happening. Happy modding
karl

propes · 03-27-2009, 12:53 PM

Nice find - thank you!