(Heel & Toeing is the technique used when you need to 'rev match' for a downshift, but you are already heavy on the break and clutch - done by toeing the break and using your heel to blip the throttle.)

Not the easiest technique to master, and I HAVE tried!

However, in a 'drive-by-wire' system, if you need a blip of throttle, all you really need is the correct signal to go to the computer - this can come from a switch, button, whatever, the computer won't care.
I could see using one of the gear **** switches, like they use for NOS, and use the hand that is already on the shifter to 'blip' the throttle as required........no more "H&T" for me! Even if the computer needs a specific resistance (150 Ohms etc.) that would be an easy one-hour mod.
S

 

I think I'd be pretty uncomfortable with hitting a button to blip the throttle

I'd rather hit it with my foot

 

Not sure of the tech details but from experience the S2000 did something along these lines. When you put in the clutch and let off the accelerator it holds the revs around where they were for a short time, say half a second. This helps you do smooth changes without overeving if you, say, just held your foot on the accelerator with no engine resistance.

The reason I noticed it is when you're in stop start traffic it's as if the engine is not responding and has a mind of it's own!

 

A throttle isn't an on/off switch, it's more like a potentiometer (like a volume control). And how far the throttle is depressed depends on how high you want the revs. It is not the same each time. So simply having an on/off switch with a set value will not work.

---jps

 

true. how bout 5 switches!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wouldn't that take away the fun driving factor out of heel and toe? But then again, I wouldn't mind having the throttle button at the steering column just like when you're playing game and want to rest your feet. Rate of acceleration is depending how hard you squeeze or press the button :D

 

You're reinventing the wheel... and doing it badly.

Heel and toe is obsolete for the same reason threshold braking is largely forgotten--computer technology. BMW's SMG-II does everything you want and more, and it's on the road today.
________
Marijuana vaporizer

 

hahahaa... some of us don't want cars that drive themselves

seriously though, using the skills it takes to drive a car well is really what the romance is all about, right?? i mean, there is more to it than just pressing buttons/pedals/whatevers to get somewhere...

 

are you refering to the heavy fly wheel caused rpm drop? or DBW? does s2k have dbw?

Stealth, have you try sitting further back? sometimes you can't heel and toe is because A) TL wasn't meant to be driven that way and B) you sit too close/too far

 

Heel-toeing on my WRX is great, and from what I have read it will be great on the RX-8 as well. The whole reason I'd take the torque loss going from my WRX -> RX-8 is for a car that more of a driver's car. Something I can really control and flick around, yet still carry 4 people and have the reliability of a N/A engine.

chris

 

Don't F*@$* with it! Accidentially hit that "switch" & end up driving through your living room.

Heel & toe is easy on the RX8.

 

Why read when you can see it for yourself!

This is courtesy of Gamera (I think)
Movie length: 2.26 mins
File size: 17.2 MB
http://www.mymazdarotary.com/rx-8_vi...ime-attack.avi
This RX-8 flick is in Divx format, you need a divx player to see it.

 

Hummm... With this logic, my foot don't even has to be on the gas. just use the thumb.

 

first off, if anyone did it, hopefully they would shield the button
secondly, it would be varialbe to alow enough juice through to maintain the rev you were at, not just a standard shot of gas
________
latin girl Cams

 

I agree, there is just a better connection you have with the car using the tried and true set up. As mentioned before, BMW's SMG system is about as good as it gets with making the "perfect automatic.

There are aftermarket kits that will engage/disengage the clutch at lightning quick speeds at the press of a button (from the gearshifter). 5zingen makes one for the RSX/Integra type r. You still have to rev match, I think, and I wonder why good drivers would even find this advantageous.