Originally Posted by Langers (Post 5228822)

It's become apparent to me that most people in this thread are well behind on technology and the benefits of fly by wire throttle.

Fly by wire throttle and computer controlled engine management allows manufacturers to optimally balance performance, efficiency and emissions through the implementation of complex systems, such as variable valve timing and variable inlet manifolds. These kinds of systems, along with direct injection, are what allows Porsche and other manufacturers to create 100hp/l+ N/A engines, with flat torque curves. Efficiency, performance and driveability increases when these systems are properly implemented.

As an example, when you're low in the rev range and you push the throttle pedal down half way, you're not getting 50% throttle plate opening but rather 50% of available engine torque at that speed. The computer will work out the fuel, ignition and air for you to achieve the most efficient outcome.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with properly tuned drive-by-wire throttles, and it seems that it is only the techno-phobic who do not approve.

Originally Posted by m21sniper (Post 5229844)

No thanks. I'll have a regular old throttle cable and brake pedal and steering box please.

I don't -ever- want that mechanical link severed in any vehicle i operate. Sorry.

Originally Posted by ckissick (Post 5229867)

I've had that mechanical link severed on my old VWs I've owned - a common problem. But the car just stops when that happens.

Originally Posted by Langers (Post 5229927)

Because means that the throttle plate cannot operate independently of the throttle pedal, which means that all the advanced cam and inlet
manifold trickery is far less effective that it would be if the computer had the ability to control the throttle plate response curve in conjunction with other parameters to deliver requested torque rather than simply requested throttle opening.

Safety, economy and performance would suffer.

Originally Posted by red-beard (Post 5229948)

I can buy the economy and performance arguments, but how does safety suffer?

Originally Posted by m21sniper (Post 5229947)

There are plenty of cars with throttle cables that excel in performance and economy. I discount your claim.

What's more, i don't want the throttle plate moving independent of my input. My input is the only input i care about, and the only input i want in control.

Period.

Originally Posted by Langers (Post 5229985)

Makes it much more difficult to implement traction control and ESP systems and other things like automatic transmission winter / ice modes etc.

Originally Posted by RANDY P (Post 5229205)

Would you get on an airplane that was entirely by - wire with no backup systems? Why should a car be any different?

rjp

Originally Posted by Jim Richards (Post 5230054)

I'd be quite happy without them. The more things we make the cars do for us, the more often drivers feel like they can do other things like talk on the phone, text, play video games, eat cheeseburgers, etc.

Originally Posted by pksystems (Post 5230095)

Most new planes are. :p Lose the computer, you can lose control of the entire plane.

Originally Posted by island911 (Post 5230502)

Which plane relies solely on one computer?

Originally Posted by pksystems (Post 5230095)

Most new planes are. :p Lose the computer, you can lose control of the entire plane.