We all know ESC as a positive safety feature that provides computer intervention when a driver pushes a car into a corner (or similar manoeuvre) at a speed that exceeds the vehicle's cornering or handling capabilities. While a great safety feature, it is also a source of frustration to a skilled driver in an HSV vehicle which has clearly been designed to provide a high level of driver input and excitement especially in controlled conditions (for example on a race track).

To address this, HSV has introduced “Competition Mode ESC”.

Competition Mode ESC is specifically designed to give the driver more freedom under ‘spirited’ driving conditions. This ESC calibration allows the driver to attack corners more aggressively, permitting more oversteer and understeer, before an intervention. The ESC interventions are more progressive to ensure the driver can get the most out of their car.

We like to call it ‘giving confidence beyond ability’ – with the ESC working away in the background, ready to catch the driver once ability runs out. When used correctly, Competition Mode will allow the driver to improve their lap times over the standard ESC setting.