active handling, do you guys like it??
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Originally Posted by Apollo's Chariot
I like it and I turn it off very rarely, but it can have negative driving effects when you really don't want them. Here is my example:
Two lane 50 mph street between the metropolitan area and a bunch of bedroom communites. My friend has a farm there and so I was out buying corn on the cob. To get home I need to make a left onto the 2 lane road. It's 5:00pm and the rest of the world is going home too. A small break in the traffic allows time for me to jump in there and go. I try and go but the rear wheels are still in the dirt that is the shoulder of the road, tires spin, active handling engages, and the Corvette creeps out into traffic and won't go for a second or two until the active handling clears. So when seconds count beware of the systems limitations.
Two lane 50 mph street between the metropolitan area and a bunch of bedroom communites. My friend has a farm there and so I was out buying corn on the cob. To get home I need to make a left onto the 2 lane road. It's 5:00pm and the rest of the world is going home too. A small break in the traffic allows time for me to jump in there and go. I try and go but the rear wheels are still in the dirt that is the shoulder of the road, tires spin, active handling engages, and the Corvette creeps out into traffic and won't go for a second or two until the active handling clears. So when seconds count beware of the systems limitations.
When I started driving I used to keep a little fluff animal on the dash. I called him ICKY. Impatience Can Kill You. Every time I was about quickly change lanes to avoid slowing down or gun the car to quickly get into traffic I would see ICKY and wait until I didn't have to make a snap judgment solely for convienece.
Personally, I hate making left turns across 4 lane roads without lights. I hate waiting in the center lane so I won't even pull out halfway. I make a right and do a u-turn. Much safer and usually quicker.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 2
From: Alton/Godfrey IL
Originally Posted by GrayC5
Wow! Thanks a lot. That clears it up. What is competition mode?? I don't see that on mine.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 0
From: marlboro nj
Originally Posted by LiquidDI
wow! Thanks a lot. I will try it out. Anyone ever use the competition mode?
The Corvette Active Handling system will be the first of its type to offer dual mode operation. In addition to an "OFF" mode, in which Active Handling is disabled, the system also allows the driver to select a "COMPETITIVE DRIVING" mode for autocross or gymkhana competitions. In this mode, the Active Handling system remains fully-functional -- measuring steering, yaw rate and lateral acceleration inputs as well as applying individual wheel brakes as required -- but the traction control system is disabled, allowing for some wheelspin and oversteer that skilled drivers often find beneficial in competitive driving..
Last edited by 93aqua; Sep 9, 2004 at 02:56 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by Slash
Hold the button down for 2 or so seconds and you will see the message on the DIC
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 0
From: Prosper TX
Originally Posted by LiquidDI
wow! Thanks a lot. I will try it out. Anyone ever use the competition mode?
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Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
Likes: 236
From: West Palm Beach FL
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Wouldnt leave home without it...
...rather have the computer drive my vette at times...
...knowing you dont have it...just remember your driving
...rather have the computer drive my vette at times...
...knowing you dont have it...just remember your driving
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
It's saved my butt at least 5 times I can think of maybe more. It's one of the greatest safety features ever.
I only wish it were on my wife's car's over the years, as she's put her car into a ditch at least 3 times that I'm sure AH would have prevented.
Tom
I only wish it were on my wife's car's over the years, as she's put her car into a ditch at least 3 times that I'm sure AH would have prevented.
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,473
Likes: 127
From: HOPE is the first step on the road to disappointment.
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I had it on my '99, but did not get it on my '00. Of all the options I could have gotten, I wish this would have been one of them. Doesn't necessarily take rain or snow for it to kick in - could just be sand or gravel on the road.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
Likes: 2
From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Two lane 50 mph street between the metropolitan area and a bunch of bedroom communites. My friend has a farm there and so I was out buying corn on the cob. To get home I need to make a left onto the 2 lane road. It's 5:00pm and the rest of the world is going home too. A small break in the traffic allows time for me to jump in there and go. I try and go but the rear wheels are still in the dirt that is the shoulder of the road, tires spin, active handling engages, and the Corvette creeps out into traffic and won't go for a second or two until the active handling clears. So when seconds count beware of the systems limitations.
Then you'll REALLY appreciate it 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
I've only had it engage once and it wouldn't have been a crisis if it hadn't been there. Having said that, I'm glad it's there in the background in case I ever get in over my head. There's no doubt that this is more car than I am driver......only now after about 12,000 miles behind the wheel am I really getting comfortable with this much power. I don't make it a habit of trying to take this car to the edge. However, my 2001 Aurora has a similar system that has kicked in several times when I've been driving on ice and snow. It's amazing how nicely it can pull the car back in line. Let me put it this way.....if I were buying a used Vette, I would try to stretch a little to get one with AH.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
Active handling is a great feature. It's only kicked in a couple times on me. But, it a very unobtrusive handling system. Althought it's only kicked in on me on wet pavement... it's not only for bad weather days. It will kick in if you start to lose control if you're just plain stupid. Great balance... it lets the experienced driver push the car to the limits and the saves the inexperienced when they push the car farther than thier own talents.
I have a no-option 2004... thank goodness it came standard!
I have a no-option 2004... thank goodness it came standard!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Bergerac Dordogne
Hmmm . . interesting.
I had it on my 99 A4 and always turned it off. I hate not being in control, especially when things get a little tricky.
I've got an 01 MN6 now, which according to a note earlier in this thread has AH as standard, but it's not mentioned in the owner's manual and the car doesn't squirm all over the place with the 'active handling' message on every few seconds when I'm pressing on a bit, like the A4 used to.
I'll try to find out exactly when my Katie Vette was born, 'cos if it does have AH then the later version is clearly much less intrusive on an enthusiastic driving style than the one on the 99 was.
Take care everyone
I had it on my 99 A4 and always turned it off. I hate not being in control, especially when things get a little tricky.
I've got an 01 MN6 now, which according to a note earlier in this thread has AH as standard, but it's not mentioned in the owner's manual and the car doesn't squirm all over the place with the 'active handling' message on every few seconds when I'm pressing on a bit, like the A4 used to.
I'll try to find out exactly when my Katie Vette was born, 'cos if it does have AH then the later version is clearly much less intrusive on an enthusiastic driving style than the one on the 99 was.
Take care everyone
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Stingrayrob
The 99 C5 I bought doesn't have the active handling option. Is it someting I will miss?..I don't plan on driving the car in rain or snow. It seems like it's just one more electronic component that could go wrong. What are your thoughts?