Cool, thanks for the clarification!  It just sounded very interesting, and I
thought there might be another geek out there who would appreciate it....

It's a little known fact that ESP is also available on Vanagons--you try to
send a message mentally to other drivers, and usually have to dodge them
anyway.  Not nearly as successful as the Eurovan version.
tx,
bmc  :)
Ben McCafferty
ben@volkscafe.com

Volks Cafe
1823 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA  95062
831-426-1244
http://www.volkscafe.com

> From: alan barber <barb2375@BELLSOUTH.NET>
> Reply-To: alan barber <barb2375@BELLSOUTH.NET>
> Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2003 18:01:09 -0500
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: NVC:  Eurovan traction/stability control
>
> Date:    Thu, 2 Jan 2003 08:32:00 -0700
> From:    Ben McCafferty <ben@VOLKSCAFE.COM>
> Subject: NVC:  Eurovan traction/stability control
>
> <snip the original for brevity>
>
> Just a few clarifications. The system is called ESP, is made by Bosch and is
> the same system available in BMW and (I think) Mercedes.
>
> There is no active suspension control on the VW. Just big honkin' sway bars.
>
> The system does not activate both front and rear wheel brakes at the same
> time. In the case of your expample, in a left turn the system would activate
> the left rear wheel if understeer happens. If you look at the mechanics of
> leverage, you'll see that this is more than effective, as it pulls the
> center of gravity using the leverage advantage. The front tire braking
> during understeer would not have nearly the same leverage, and could even
> contribute to more understeer. In the case of oversteer in a left hand turn,
> the right front wheel brake would be activated, encouraging the front end to
> plough and eliminate the oversteer. Obviously, the system self corrects many
> times a second, and consults a gyroscope for attitude, so over correction is
> impossible.
>
> And as the owner of an EV with ESP, I have to tell you this setup works.
> It's spooky at first. It's amazing on wet roads, and an absolute requirement
> for snow or ice.
>
> Luckily there's a switch to tuen it off when you want to have fun, because
> when it's on the van doesn't do anything but go where it's pointed.
>
> Az
> --
> AH#56