mods this might be OT so feel free to move...

ever watch those high speed car chases on TV, and the cops do the pit manuever and the car totally goes out of control? well if a cop does that to a lexus w/ VDIM technically the car wouldn't slide out of control right?

 

u plan on robbing a bank

Okay, can't say anyone here has tested it against the pit manuver but technically speaking, the car would have to lose its rear end and enter a swing. VDIM would counter the swing or if the car got hit hard enough and swung around, the VDIM would try to regain control of the car.

I've lost control of my old GS 400 at 80mph in the rain and VSC saved my ****. I spinning for an eterntiy it seemd and the car kept beeping and tried to regain control.
From Lexus.com
The GS 430's breakthrough Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) [3] system employs eight safety features to control loss of traction during a turn. When a series of sensors detect a loss of traction, the system uses a combination of individual wheel braking, throttle activation and steering assistance to help the driver keep the vehicle on track.

http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/safety.html

They have a demo video at that link

 

I too wonder how VDIM will react when the input is from an outer source, since it was designed originally to react to the driver's input.

Perhaps someone can do a little test for us by aggravating a cop?

 

As someone in law enforcement I might have a little insight on this. P.I.T done correctly can overcome a vehicle stability system. You try to keep you vehicle engaged to the offending vehicle until it reaches 90 degree angle and the follow through. Very rare can a vehicle correct from that. But I have heard through the grapevine that some vehicles, I think MB, have a very unique self recovery even at that angle. Sorta like a F-18 that departs from it's flight envelope, if the pilot remove his hands from the stick the aircraft computer will automatically correct the spin or stall or whatever that pilot has done to cause the plane not to fly. It's said that if the driver just remove his hand off the steering wheel the computers should correct it. I have not seen this happen. But with electric computer controlled steering in vehicles it not implausible. PIT manuever is counting on the inexperience of most drivers to correct the vehicle correctly. That's why most PIT are done in open space and not in city streets. (Unless your in L.A.). Because more likely than not the car could hit someone of something. Now most professional drivers with experience and training can counteract a PIT. Secret Service are very well trained in getting out of the PIT.

 

It would be hilarious if the demo for VDIM on the Lexus website showed a cop using the PIT manuver on a GS430 unsuccessfully.

It would be the new choice for getaway cars across the world!

 

How about those maneuvers where the car is blasting in reverse and swings the front around to take off?

These are very funny ideas and maybe all this alphabet soup of technology systems will a problem for law enforcement types.

 

The car will slide out of control because the cop will have the momentum to break the traction of the wheels from the ground granted the direction the car is going and the angle the cop hits him at. VIDM would be useless in a forced sense.

 

It would still be possible to spin the car with good contact and all, but you couldn't just bump into the rear quarter and expect it to go into an uncontrolable spin... you'd basically have to 'push' it instead of just tap it... and even then you'd have to hope the car wasn't able to correct itself in time before running into a wall or something.

In other words, PIT would probably still work, but take a lot more skill/risk/effort.

 

I dunno how they do it in Tennessee, but the pit maneuver is a full force push...not a tap. First used by the California Highway Patrol in the early 90s.

http://www.policedriving.com/article59.htm

Ø Myth: The PIT is nothing more than Bumping and Ramming.

Ø Fact: This is by far the most widely held sentiment as it relates to this maneuver. It simply is not true. Ramming a vehicle is considered deadly force and banned by most police departments. The PIT is a precision maneuver that requires substantial training. When done correctly, very little damage will be done to the vehicle and the officer and suspect will have no injuries. As a trainer, I have conducted hundreds of these maneuvers. I have never seen an injury related to the PIT. I wouldn’t be able to say the same for Bumping or Ramming.


Ø Myth: The PIT is a difficult maneuver.

Ø Fact: In reality, the PIT is not difficult to perform. The premise is very basic and I have often observed students conduct it to perfection after one or two attempts. What should be considered much more difficult is the decision to implement the maneuver under situations of high stress. The physical element is simple; the mental aspect can be difficult.

 

if the GS430 can really use the VDIM to get out of the PIT and becomes the chosen car
for car-jackers and bank robbers, then i would feel sorry for you GS430 owners.

your car insurance rates is probably going to go up, because many criminals will be on the lookout
to steal the car... might even make the GS430 into the top 10 most stolen car list.

wouldn't want that to happen to your new GS ... right ? hehe

 

I have tested the VDIM extensively in the snow for the past two weeks and I'm convinced it can save your life. If an outside force takes away stability I think the car will react by steering the car the way you have the steering wheel pointed and try to regain its control. What is the top speed of a Highway Patrol Car in California? The GS430 is electonically limited to 149 MPH. First it has to catch the GS430 inorder to try the PIT.......The Patrol car doesn't have VDIM and it might lose control if the car resists spinning. I want a switch that turns on the back up camera while going forward.......Put it on that James Bond drop down panel...The problem is the Helicopters and the Radios. We need an electomagnetic pulse shockwave to disable the pursuit.....Earth to Rock...Earth to Rock....

 

CHP Police Interceptor (Crown Vics) are electronically limited to 130. The pit manuever will not be utilized at high speeds obviously, too much risk and liability for the drivers involved and the surrounding public. Even if the 06 GS430 can outrun a standard Police Interceptor, CHP has their fleet of Camaros and Volvo 850 T5's to chase with. VIDM is an awesome technology, it can reduce, but cannot defy physics.

 

it can't outrun radio.............plus top speed is a moot point unless one has an absolute wide open road.

 

im sure vdim is way better than vsc
but in my 2nd gen gs with coilovers and vsc on
if i keep on the gas on a left turn in an intersection with rain,
the car will tend to "drift"
i have to make sure i get off the gas! haha
sometimes i get scared if there was a cop watching the intersection...
my *** would be grass

so when put to bad conditions, or you lose grip, vdim cant do magic and regain that grip ;p i think

 

VDIM will take control of your throttle if you try to floor it at inappropriate times. VSC would do it after you start to break. VDIM doesn't let you go that far so it doesn't have to reel you back in. It also can steer the car briefly to correct your situation. The GS430 really thinks fast and I have tried to fool it, believe me. It is snowing a big wet Spring right now and I'm going to get out the GS430 for some more fun with VDIM. I hope it freezes over tonight!