Track mode is becoming a core feature of performance cars. Tesla rolled out an update in 2018 that provided “track mode” for its Model 3 performance lineup, ensuring the feature will continue among the EV fraternity.
Contrary to popular belief, track mode does not make you faster in a straight line, at least not in normal road conditions. Instead, their role among various manufacturers is to ensure maximum performance around tight forks and rolling straights, and these are exclusive to closed track circuits and autocross tracks. Of course, that means the feature shouldn’t be used on public roads, as Tesla suggests. But what exactly does track mode do to your prized possession when you’re subjected to public asphalt?
10 Illegal “Sona” track mode
Track mode is known to open up a performance car’s exhaust valves, crank up the volume, and indulge wild gear behind the wheel. However, a vague federal law in the US suggests that anything over 90 decibels can be considered illegal in the US. Each state interprets these laws differently. For example, California enforces a 95-decibel limit and hands out citations liberally for violators.
A famous case involving a Hyundai in ‘N’ mode took the car from 95db to 98db, meaning that the performance button alone made the car susceptible to local authorities. But interestingly, this case has made Hyundai to help the owner!
9 Traction in track mode
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Imagine driving on a track; You’d be reasonably frustrated if your driving aids took over just as you were about to roll into the Brickyard to victory. For this reason, the GR86’s track mode would weaken the engine’s traction enough, reducing throttle handling as the wheels begin to spin freely. Also, the track mode on that specific vehicle would also brake the ESC, allowing you to over/understeer at will.
Track mode limits various driver aids differently across manufacturers. All is well when flying around the corner of Copse, but for those who are too ambitious, driving through a canyon? The results could be devastating. ESC is estimated to have saved up to 4,100 lives between 2010 and 2014 alone.
8 Heat management in track mode
Activating track mode on a Tesla forces the compressor to run at full capacity to help with the extra cooling needed for those battery packs. So naturally, more power requires more energy, and your vehicle will demand it as soon as the feature is activated, regardless of the environment.
The same goes for our dino-fuel counterparts; revs will instantly increase as your vehicle prepares its heat management systems to handle the extremes of track driving. Using this mode on public roads puts excessive stress on various components, never mind grinding out the fuel/power needed to run them.
7 Fast reactions
Running on track or Sports+, even just ‘Sports’ mode in your bog-standard Fiesta ST requires a much quicker reaction time from the driver, and here’s why.
Bringing the Ford Fiesta ST back a lightweight in the performance department: Sport mode tightens the steering instantly, making it feel nimble and light at lower speeds, but weighs down a racing car as the pace picks up. This allows for a more tactical approach to corners as if the car were constantly ready. There’s also an increase in throttle response, allowing the engine to rev harder and faster in all gears, again, great for a track. However, both variables require a firm right foot paired with a watchful hunk of meat behind the wheel.
6 What about the suspension in track mode
Track mode on any performance vehicle alters the suspension setup. For example, a Tesla will instantly stiffen its suspension when Track Mode is activated, preparing for the smooth surface of a track. On the other hand, McLarens will strengthen their damping for track use with the same effect.
Although suitable for the smooth asphalt of Spa, your local road is not ideal; Find a good chiropractor and an even better mechanic if you plan to hit the potholes with a track-optimized suspension setup.
5 Fuel/power consumption in track mode
As you might expect, a day at the track can drop the Tesla Model 3’s 272-315 miles of range to 0 in an hour, and the same goes for your average competition M4, which can average less than ten MPG when you hit the track in Sports+. .
While spirited driving is the main force behind this, the track mode itself forces a petrol-powered car to rev higher to prepare for tighter gear changes and quicker responses. It’s like being told to be ready, but wait, all at the same time, the adrenaline is there and your car is going to burn.
4 You are all “Torque”
Activating grip mode generally sends more power to the rear wheels of an AWD configuration performance car, making it play like an F1 car! However, Tesla allows users full control of this, while Ford labeled its track mode equivalent, “Drift Mode” on the Ford Focus RS. This “hooligan” feature automatically sends a 70% torque distribution to the rear wheels.
The Focus RS is a 3,461-pound unit. For those used to their tricked-out AWD system, it can come as a shock when the back-end starts to come out on the way to grandma’s house.
3 Not so slick
Sticking to the ground is of utmost importance when driving in anger. Unfortunately, your standard “GoodRides” won’t cut it. Track mode puts the engine to the fore expecting smooth surfaces and flat straights; the rough asphalt of the public road won’t treat your rubber budget well like next week.
The same goes for budget brake pads. Your car will demand many of your perishables; invest in some decent stuff and be mindful of what you’re wasting on the streets.
2 Future maintenance
Track mode puts pressure on several areas of a performance car. Fuel and coolant will be excessive, as well as oil, as your engine works harder.
Tires, brakes, wheels and turbos are also areas that suffer a direct impact from the use of this system. Assuming you can afford it, great. But if not, consider the extra care your vehicle may need if it’s subject to daily harsh suspension.
1 Is tracking mode even legal?
All manufacturers advise against track mode on public roads. Instead, they are covered on their websites or in various in-vehicle notifications.
Track mode isn’t illegal per se, but most authorities will jump on the “sound train” when trying to arrest the culprits; the feature can take you beyond sound regulations and be considered unsafe, but there’s no letter of the law against it, probably because its features differ between so many manufacturers.
Sources: IIHS, Tesla USA
