New Cupra 280

[Deleted member 100924]

Hello everyone.

1. Obviously - new to the forum ... made a typo in my nickname - how do I change it?

2. Anyhow, new LCR 280 arrived Friday. Damp roads, but couldn't resist a spin, selecting "Cupra" mode. Attacked favourite left hander in 4th gear at brisk (not stupid) pace with a decent chunk of throttle, expecting the LSD to haul it round - it ploughed straight on. Backed off - immediate grip and turn - but a scary moment. I figure too much gas for sensitive accelerator, shed loads of torque and 4th gear just too much for the grip. So I've backed off throttle setting to "sport". My pal also reckons the diff is too tight in "Cupra", causing understeer. My priority is cornering grip above traction. Any advice on diff settings, and for that matter, throttle and suspension?

3. I know it's been asked before, but just to be sure ... I'm about to fill up so what fuel octane rating? I conclude from various blogs that 95 RON is fine, won't damage the engine - though higher octane is better for maximum performance. A few bhp is neither here nor there for my driving so I'm leaning towards 95. OK ?

Overall, I'm seriously impressed with the smoothness of engine and ride and amazing go. Picks up in 4th and 5th faster than a 911! Brilliant car - just need to learn how to handle a powerful FWD.

Cheers , notsobigal

 

[Dalomas]

2. Anyhow, new LCR 280 arrived Friday. Damp roads, but couldn't resist a spin, selecting "Cupra" mode. Attacked favourite left hander in 4th gear at brisk (not stupid) pace with a decent chunk of throttle, expecting the LSD to haul it round - it ploughed straight on. Backed off - immediate grip and turn - but a scary moment. I figure too much gas for sensitive accelerator, shed loads of torque and 4th gear just too much for the grip. So I've backed off throttle setting to "sport". My pal also reckons the diff is too tight in "Cupra", causing understeer. My priority is cornering grip above traction. Any advice on diff settings, and for that matter, throttle and suspension?

Basic problem is, if there's no grip, there's no grip. The magic diff will not help you in that.

What you did was totally overcome all grip and spin BOTH wheels with too much power. Just because you have an LSD doesn't mean you can forget all efforts at finesse and control. In the wet you will be able to get much more power down to the ground than with an open diff, but at the moment it becomes too much BOTH wheels will spin and you'll lose all steering until you back off.

 

[Seastormer]

The tyres do need to be warmed up a bit first, but I have no probs with traction and the diff does take a bit of getting used to. You have to trust it a bit and it does do it's job. 6000+ miles in now and run on 95 like all my previous Cupra's (you do get a bit less BHP the h/book says) but I don't think you can tell the difference driving, and it doesn't damage the engine or it would not be on the petrol flap as 98/95.

 

[zondaff]

With the fuel one, it recommends the equivalent of super unleaded (98 RON) which is at most petrol stations, I'd use that as its a turbocharged engine, it's also what's attached to the fuel cap.

 

[Deleted member 100924]

Chaps,

Many thanks. Wise words all round.

I agree the tyres were overwhelmed. A few more miles in the car now, it really picks up its skirts in 4th and 5th. On reflection asking for trouble lobbing it into a damp bend in 4th with my foot down. Cannae change the laws of physics. We have a word for this sort of behaviour up here in Jock land it's called BEING A NUMPTY. Lesson duly learned.

On the advice of my ex-rally chum, switched the diff to "normal" (I'm not in search of ultimate traction). No more understeer moments yet though the roads have been dry since last Friday and more modest throttle application. Seb Loeb also suggested adding a few psi in the rear tyres to help turn-in - I'll give that a go, let a few psi out of the fronts too, and see if that helps.

The car will live on a main diet of 95 RON. Will try a tankful of the stronger stuff and see if I can tell the difference ... not on a damp left-hander.

Will report back on both if anyone's interested.

Thanks again, great forum, great car

notsobigal