Throttle Response - Application of Throttle Response

Application of Throttle Response

Throttle response comes into play in the following situations:

Overtaking

After following a vehicle or going side by side, there is a need for sudden increase in power to execute a successful overtaking. The same is true if one is very closely following a car in front of him, which may slow down. Sudden release of the throttle will brake the car with the engine, thus preventing collision. A moment after this the driver behind may attempt overtaking if his reactions, throttle response and situation allow this. This is why throttle response plays a crucial role in racing. On a spark-ignition engine, a faulty sensor or ignition may significantly delay throttle response even if the engine power curve stays the same.

Coming out of a corner

While entering a corner, the requested power output is reduced since the vehicle is coasting or braking. After passing the corner, the driver will suddenly request more power to accelerate back to normal speeds. Fast throttle response allows a vehicle to regain its speed quickly after cornering. Drifting requires very precise and instant throttle response, on RWD car one wants to increase torque on the rear wheels at a precise moment in a corner to make it turn the car more in the direction of the road ahead past the corner, and make it stop at a precise moment or the car will spin out of control. No matter what the maximum engine power is, if the throttle response will be slow, the car is unsuitable for this maneuvre.

Driving pleasure

Throttle response plays a major role in driving pleasure, as this gives the driver more control over the vehicle's acceleration or deceleration.