spwolf

heh, there you go... Now when kids gets scarred that VDIM will tamper them (often not realizing it is a lot more subtle than VSC they probably never complained about before), we can tell them it can be disabled :-)....

Lexopolis

A rather MAJOR clarification....the Avalon uses VSC "Vehicle Stability Control" NOT VDIM "Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management" VDIM is only available on the new GS 430, RX 400h, new IS and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

And yes, when VSC is disabled so is TRAC

DingDingDao

NotFatBoy, you're probably correct about a new chip logging a fault code. However, I got chipped a short time after the break-in period on my 1998 A4, and I went through a full 3 years of warranty coverage without so much as a peep from my service manager (Beverly Hills Audi). They serviced everything, despite the chip, exhaust, intake, coilovers, etc. etc. installed on my car. I'm not sure if Lexus dealers are as picky with aftermarket components, just my $.02.

flipside909

This makes perfect sense as there is no VSC OFF switch for any Toyota or Lexus vehicle made. like in the post I made a few before this post, VDIM is not VSC or TRAC. It's a control system that allows the seamless function between the safety features. Amazing how many people jump on the bandwagon without doing research. There are alot of people who are confused with the term VDIM and what it's actual function is.

There is an explanation of VDIM on my write up below in my signature.

Here's VDIM in a more simplified explanation:
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/safety_presen/tech/33.html
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/tech/its/...tion/vdim.html

CRB

So this is the "original article", foo? An article that cites a VW Vortex thread as a source...which cites this ClubLexus thread as a source...sort of a circular logic to that, don't you think?

Badman Forever posted a link on the first page of this thread to the original thread from which the information came, an is300.net thread entitled, of all things, "insane brake dust" and it was posted by lexietech, a newbie (but goodie) over there, who will likely catch hell as all the IS350 demonstrators across the country quickly end up with slicks on the rear of the car.

Kind of sad how some "journalist" trolling a few Internet forums end up credited in this case. Is this how Drudge got started with the stained dress?

chuckb

not that I think he should get in trouble, but if I was the tech that disclosed this, I might be a little concerned about my job........

NotFatBoy

how will they know who disclosed this? its just a username on an internet forum

ES3

I agree, I say we call them on it!

chuckb

if someone really wanted to, they could find out who you are.

IS350spd

Remind me not to by any white demo IS350's

rominl

iTrader: (4)

there is no vsc off switch for the new GS and IS? for sure i have the vsc off in my gs400 and also gs430 as well as my sc430. but i don't know about the new models

Lexopolis

Flipside.....good article and well written for easy understanding as are our product training materials on VDIM.

BTW folks, the white IS is not a demo but a prototype on the launch tour.

For the fellow above, there are VSC - off switches on many "past" Lexus models but you will not see them anymore. This pisses off the journalists who feel their driving expertise should not be infringed on. However, I have yet to have one come back from a drive during a press event who said that VDIM did in fact compromise their ability to really hang it out. VDIM can help a poor driver be pretty good in spite of themselves and bring a good driver into higher ranks.

The thing to remember about VDIM as opposed to VSC.......VSC is reactive to instability, VDIM on the other hand manages the BALANCE on the vehicle and can therefore anticipate instability before it occurs and will corrent the situation before the driver realizes their WAS a potential problem. HOWEVER, once the laws of physics are exceeded.....all bets are off for any system.

If you have a car the is truely equipped with Lexus/Toyota VDIM you will have a lot more fun in all driving by LEAVING IT ALONE.

flipside909

Thank you.

SteveG

Well just got back from taking My IS350 w/sport setup to an scca event.

The disable VSC/VDIM trick works for certain and turns all the gadgets off. No question. I was able to hang the *** out on turns and whatever else I wanted. Had a blast!

However, VDIM when enabled really is pretty good stuff for giving you a nice strong run on a course for amateurs and probably a lot of mid-level guys too. When I muffed one of my runs and did a DNF I enabled VDIM for the rest of the course and was pretty impressed. It really does not get in the way for the most part unless you run a really bad line and screw a turn.


So in summary... unless you're a highly competitive AutoX guy, VDIM is your friend.

05RollaXRS

For all of the critics and reviews bashing the VDIM and giving negative points to the IS, there is definitely a reason why the chief engineer designed it for the new IS since more than 60% of the people driving the IS will not have a clue to handle so much power and would end up crashing the car.