Software limits GT because of different tires

[ericNdfw]

In this review, around 9 minutes in, Ford Engineering Specialist, Leeway Ho says the GTPE gets more torque based on software tuning done to take advantage of the summer tires vs the GT's all seasons. If a GT owner replaces their stock tires with summer ones themselves, shouldn’t Ford offer the ability to flip that mode on by the owner?



Also, it would be nice if such software related performance tuning was available to us non-GT owners who chose to put wider, stickier tires on our MMEs too.

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[Scooby24]

GTPE owners paid more to get everything included in the package (that ford specified would be included at least). The extra power would be nice to offer, but I see no reason why ford SHOULD include the option to GT owners.

 

[phil]

GTPE owners paid more to get everything included in the package (that ford specified would be included at least). The extra power would be nice to offer, but I see no reason why ford SHOULD include the option to GT owners.

If the offer to GT owners were in exchange for a suitable payment, would you see the reason then?

 

[Iknownothing]

If the offer to GT owners were in exchange for a suitable payment, would you see the reason then?

Seems reasonable. Maybe something like a Ford Performance tune (so you can keep your full warranty). I believe besides the extra torque, the PE has different throttle and break tuning. No reason not to be able to unlock the full capabilities of the car.

 

[ericNdfw]

If the offer to GT owners were in exchange for a suitable payment, would you see the reason then?

Agreed. I wasn't meaning that such an "upgrade" would necessarily be free. There is precedent for this as Tesla sold (still sells?) an acceleration boost for certain Model 3s that increases horsepower by 50 for $2,000. Sort-of pricey for a software update, but it's nice to have the option.

However, by publicly stating that the reasoning for limiting torque is due to tire traction differences, Ford has, in my opinion, opened themselves up to some criticism about it. I know the word should is a subjective term but given this statement, what I think Ford should do is give GT owners the option to specify tire characteristics and adjust performance accordingly at a minimal or extra charge, if any.

Doing something similar for non-GT owners would be a nice-to-have, and would match the idea of the above-mentioned $2k Tesla update, and when I'm due for new tires I'd consider it. I could also see Ford dealer parts and service departments loving the idea of having a wheel+tire+software update bundle to sell me.

 

[pt19713]

Agreed. I wasn't meaning that such an "upgrade" would necessarily be free. There is precedent for this as Tesla sold (still sells?) an acceleration boost for certain Model 3s that increases horsepower by 50 for $2,000. Sort-of pricey for a software update, but it's nice to have the option.

It's roughly 100 hp and knocks off about 0.5s in the 0-60 times. Well worth the money, especially when you compare it to a gas vehicle and what it takes to knock off 0.5s.

 

[Scooby24]

If the offer to GT owners were in exchange for a suitable payment, would you see the reason then?

Sure, like Tesla's performance boost. Though I hope it's not a significant payment as the boost isn't much in comparison.

 

[ericNdfw]

It's roughly 100 hp and knocks off about 0.5s in the 0-60 times. Well worth the money, especially when you compare it to a gas vehicle and what it takes to knock off 0.5s.

Ah. I got the 50 hp number from https://www.findmyelectric.com/blog/tesla-features-explained-model-3-acceleration-boost/

In any case, I agree that it's not a bad compared to similar ICE performace upgrades, but since it's simply a software change, it's a little harder for me to justify that much money given zero equipment or labor to "install". (Yes, I know there are R&D costs that might equate to the labor expense, but that's a stretch.)

 

[benk016]

Maybe someone will discover an asbuilt change that can enable PE features.

 

[Awmustang]

If that's the case, why isn't there a switch to "de-rate" the GTPE for those of us in the North who will need to put winter tires on it? Those will surely have less dry pavement grip than even the GT all season.
They could call it winter mode.... heck I'm already disappointed the MME doesn't have a wet/slippery/snow mode. Love that in my Mustang coupe. Really makes a huge difference when driving in snow.

 

[Mach1E]

Agreed. I wasn't meaning that such an "upgrade" would necessarily be free. There is precedent for this as Tesla sold (still sells?) an acceleration boost for certain Model 3s that increases horsepower by 50 for $2,000. Sort-of pricey for a software update, but it's nice to have the option.

However, by publicly stating that the reasoning for limiting torque is due to tire traction differences, Ford has, in my opinion, opened themselves up to some criticism about it. I know the word should is a subjective term but given this statement, what I think Ford should do is give GT owners the option to specify tire characteristics and adjust performance accordingly at a minimal or extra charge, if any.

Doing something similar for non-GT owners would be a nice-to-have, and would match the idea of the above-mentioned $2k Tesla update, and when I'm due for new tires I'd consider it. I could also see Ford dealer parts and service departments loving the idea of having a wheel+tire+software update bundle to sell me.

The $2k is kinda cheap actually for sure that kinda performance upgrade.

The performance is only half of what you’re paying for.

It’s getting the performance and keeping your factory warranty that costs extra.

But if Ford did something where they gave extra power for $$, I would want it to be more than just the 34 lb ft.

 

[phil]

Seems reasonable. Maybe something like a Ford Performance tune (so you can keep your full warranty). I believe besides the extra torque, the PE has different throttle and break tuning. No reason not to be able to unlock the full capabilities of the car.

The only thing I really want to 'unlock' is the adaptive damping. I will not be holding my breath...

 

[Mach1E]

In this review, around 9 minutes in, Ford Engineering Specialist, Leeway Ho says the GTPE gets more torque based on software tuning done to take advantage of the summer tires vs the GT's all seasons. If a GT owner replaces their stock tires with summer ones themselves, shouldn’t Ford offer the ability to flip that mode on by the owner?



Also, it would be nice if such software related performance tuning was available to us non-GT owners who chose to put wider, stickier tires on our MMEs too.

One thing that the guy in the video said that isn’t true is that he said in unbridled it would be “blisteringly fast for about a lap.”

Unfortunately, unless the “lap” is less than 5 seconds long, this isn’t true

 

[b Mach e]

Is there different hardware for Premium vs GT? or is the power difference software?

 

[randomvoice]

Is there different hardware for Premium vs GT? or is the power difference software?

GT has more powerful front motors I think (same as GTPE)

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