When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It's essentially the full attack mode for the race track. I'm not sure exactly what all is different, but it's essentially S+ brought up a notch and it also automatically puts ESP in sport handling mode. In the 2019s it also puts the new AMG Dynamics chassis program to Master. It has four settings, Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master. C uses Basic, S uses Advanced, S+ uses Pro and Race uses Master. In the 2019 C63S it will also affect the chosen level for the 9-stage traction control, with Race essentially setting a level for maximum out of a corner grip for the race track, unless you want to control the level yourself by turning off ESP completely. I found the language in the onwer's manual kinda funny telling owners not to use it on normal roads.
Use it on the track...just be prepared for “forward collision assist” ...
I assume you're referring to the "poor man's racing harness" effect when the seat-belt tensioner gets fired off as you rapidly approach another vehicle in the braking zone before a corner? If I could do this manually and have it stick, I'd be free to do left-foot braking (instead of left-foot bracing). #;-)
I've been tempted to try covering the cameras to see whether that might disable this entirely, but worry about what other effects it might have, given the (often non-obvious) highly integrated nature of these sensors and systems. Interestingly, it seems that the system learns since (for me) this only seems to happen a few times during the first session on a track day (or maybe it's me that's learning?).
I read the same thing you reference, but it leaves you wondering what that means, hence the question on the forum.
Pretty sure it's CYA on their part. Most safety systems are most likely dialed back or turned off in Race to not interfere with driving on the track, so they don't wanna get sued if somebody crashes on normal roads.
What exactly is race mode and when does everyone typically use it?
Race is actually the most fun mode in town to drive in as it is very aggressive and you have to use the paddles as it won't shift till redline on the up shift (even in auto)and very aggressive down with a lot of pops and crackles.
Really the only difference between Race and S+ is it will hold the gear at redline till you up shift. Everything else suspension/exhaust drivetrain remains S+ with traction in sport. I drive in Inidvidual mode with engine/trans in S+, Suspension in comfort, and TC off all the time.
Really the only difference between Race and S+ is it will hold the gear at redline till you up shift. Everything else suspension/exhaust drivetrain remains S+ with traction in sport. I drive in Inidvidual mode with engine/trans in S+, Suspension in comfort, and TC off all the time.
Why would you drive around with traction control off all the time? I understand putting is in Sport mode but not turning it all the way off. It isn't 2004 anymore. The systems on our cars will best 99%+ of drivers, especially when pushing it out on public roads.
Why would you drive around with traction control off all the time? I understand putting is in Sport mode but not turning it all the way off. It isn't 2004 anymore. The systems on our cars will best 99%+ of drivers, especially when pushing it out on public roads.
Why would you drive around with traction control off all the time? I understand putting is in Sport mode but not turning it all the way off. It isn't 2004 anymore. The systems on our cars will best 99%+ of drivers, especially when pushing it out on public roads.
Lol because I can handle it? I enjoy the wheel spin coming in and out of corners, turns etc. On public roads I don't push it to the limit, so It's manageable. If I ever take it to an actual track, you bet your *** I'll be leaving the traction on in sport mode so the computer can save my *** from dying when i'm pushing the car all to my limits.
I always drive in S+ sometimes I turn on RACE mode but it becomes a real handful quickly. Gonna try S+ with TC off for a while, but already my rear tires only lasted 8,500 miles
RACE mode makes a lot of great noises, but the power delivery seems about the same to me...wonder if it is a whole different MAP or not? It would make sense if it was more linear for track use, and as others said the gearbox does not shift unless you use the paddles it's manual mode. I do like RACE for that reason also but then you get frustrated when you realize your paddles are on the steering wheel and they are upside down when you turn...damn MBZ put the freaking paddles on the column like every other floppy paddle trans!
...damn MBZ put the freaking paddles on the column like every other floppy paddle trans!
Not everybody puts them on the columns, but IMO steering wheel mounted is better. You are supposed to keep your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position at all times. It provides the best control over the car. The C63 like other sports cars have quick steering ratios so that one doesn't have to let go of the 9/3 position in turns. If done properly the paddles are always where your hands are. Right hand for upshift, left hand for downshift. There's no guessing and no need to let go of the steering wheel to reach over to a stationery paddle if you are trying to shift mid turn. Not to mention that shifting should generally be done before or after a corner. I'm not sure where the column mounted paddles originated. Race cars such as F1 cars have them mounted on the steering wheel, again so they are always where the driver's hands are.
Last edited by superswiss; Apr 9, 2019 at 08:33 PM.
RACE mode makes a lot of great noises, but the power delivery seems about the same to me...wonder if it is a whole different MAP or not? It would make sense if it was more linear for track use
Agreed, I highly doubt the mapping is different. It really feels like the only difference is the car holding the gears, ESP Sport, and possibly the H-pipe mentioned above.
I’ll ask the AMG team at COTA when I go later this month.
Agreed, I highly doubt the mapping is different. It really feels like the only difference is the car holding the gears, ESP Sport, and possibly the H-pipe mentioned above.
I’ll ask the AMG team at COTA when I go later this month.
Have to differentiate between pre-FL and FL. There's definitely more to Race mode on the FL. At a minimum we know that in Race mode the Dynamics setting is set to Master as I mentioned above, so the chassis dynamics will be different in Race than they are in S+ where the Dynamics setting is Pro, and Sport where it is Advanced. The pre-FL doesn't have this.
Have to differentiate between pre-FL and FL. There's definitely more to Race mode on the FL. At a minimum we know that in Race mode the Dynamics setting is set to Master as I mentioned above, so the chassis dynamics will be different in Race than they are in S+ where the Dynamics setting is Pro, and Sport where it is Advanced. The pre-FL doesn't have this.
Oh yeah I forgot about that.
You are absolutely right though, there is a significant difference with the addition of AMG Dynamics.
In S+ with Pro dynamics, the car allows a LOT more slip than compared to S+ in the pre-FL (which really didn't change much handling at all, except for engine/transmission). It makes the car feel dynamic and fun. And Sport (Advanced Dynamics?) will also allow more slippage than in Comfort mode. I am going to guess that when pushed to the limit technically, AMG Dynamics will play an even bigger role. I've just not had the time to go for a pleasure drive, but this is something I need to do soon.
Have to differentiate between pre-FL and FL. There's definitely more to Race mode on the FL. At a minimum we know that in Race mode the Dynamics setting is set to Master as I mentioned above, so the chassis dynamics will be different in Race than they are in S+ where the Dynamics setting is Pro, and Sport where it is Advanced. The pre-FL doesn't have this.
What is Pre and Post FL? and how do I know which I have?
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
