KL316

guys, wut does the skidpad benchmark mean?

like when magazines show .86g .87g etc....

wut does it represent?

does it represent a cars ability to hug the floor?

Bos

In a nutshell... yes. The number represents the amount of lateral G force. High performance type consumer cars are in the 1g range, while Indy / GTP cars can reach and exceed 3g.

TimmyC230boy

Yeah, the highner number the better. I believe the Z06, and cars of that caliber are in the 1.0G range. I belive the coupe is in the .8 range.

czachari

Sports cars .8->.9, All out sports cars .9->1.

Tires have a lot to do with lateral grip. For example, putting slicks on a car can easily increase its lateral grip by .1

CZ

Vince

has anyone read about or noticed how the lateral acceleration is drastically different depending on the way you turn (ie left opposed to right)? I read about that a while back.

Side note. I used to have a Neon ACR that pulled over 1g STOCK.

trench

I think Road and Track mentioned this, it was a surprising difference, on the order of 0.5 g.

KOMPRESSORnSC

I can see weight distribution (L/R) because of the driver making a difference, and driver confidence making a difference, but I can't imagine what else would cause it? I'm more comfortable turning left, but I'm working on my righties.

trench

I was under the impression that the Road and Track testers were quite perplexed about the skidpad numbers. Since they specifically mentioned the difference, it leads me to beleive that most cars are probably close to the same figure for either direction, and the variation seen with the Coupe was somewhat of a mystery to them.

dswildfire

the skidpad numbers for the coupe are 0.82 ccw and 0.75 cw. and tires and road conditions do affect the skidpad rating. however, i'm somewhat doubtful that the coupe's is 0.82. i would guess it to be at least 0.85, only based on the fact that the altima i had had a skidpad of 0.81, and with the same michelin tires (energy mxv+ 205/55/16, 91h) could take a particular turn at 40mph before squealing. the coupe can take that turn at 45mph before squealing. nothing scientific. just my wag.

but some magazines have also mentioned that the stability programs on cars tend to make the skidpad number lower than the car is capable of, and if tested without stability control, the cars can see some improvement. but do not try this at home. remember that they have a nice big tarmac with a circle painted on, so if they slide uncontrollably, they have plenty of space and wont hit anything. whereas the usual smattering of trees and people can make this hazardous to do on the road.