Sorry if this is old news...

Sorry if this is old news...

...but I just heard that 2005+ Corolla models will have VSC and side curtains as an option, in additon to more structural reinforcement. Should be interesting to see what else they have up their sleves for 2005...These are fairly significant changes.

Should make the Corolla much more competitive with the Mazda3 in terms of avaliable equipment, IMHO.

8)

Heard it from a member at Edmund's. I know what you're thinking, but I actually believe this. Now that the Mazda3 is on the scene, Toyota needed to do something to set the Corolla apart, and I think VSC is one of the ways they're going to do that.

Personally, I more interested in the side airbags and extra reinforcement. Man, it would be sweet if the side/curtain airbags and VSC were offered together as part of a safety package. :shock: :idea: 8)

Hey guys, sounds cool, but what dose VSC stand for? hehe

Stands for...

Vehicle Skid Control

Cool and not cool. My wife's 4Runner has it. Makes it rather difficult to make the tires break from the road. It atually with the assistance of the computer, helps minimize skidding.

I think it stands for Vehicle Stability Control.

Victoria's Secret Catalog

Oh wait... Nevermind...

VSC = vehicle stability control (vehicle skid program) = Japanese
ESP = electronic stability program
DSC = dynamic stability program
PSM = Porsche stability managment

all of these acronyms essentially do the same thing. The have either wheel sensors (ABS sensors) that compare rates of rotation amongst each wheel (and when a certain threshold is reached the ABS is activated and/or throttle input is reduced) or a series of yaw and pitch sensors determine the vehicle's rate of speed (velocity), direction, g-forces and the computer (ECU) tries to accurately predict what the intended course "should" be. Most cars use the combination of the ABS sensors and electronic throttle reduction. The advent of traction control (and programs like it) have caused engine makers to implement "fly-by-wire" systems (electronic throttle control - i.e. no throttle cable) to most engines. It will be interesting to see if Toyota eliminates the throttle cable in the 1ZZ motors in preparation for electronic traction controls.

Hm... Drive-by-wire systems bother me. I hope it never becomes standard on future generations of our cars. I realize a computer can probably calculate faster than me how much brake pressure to apply to avoid skidding and all that. However, electronics can fail, and I'd be nervous about having them in control of my throttle and brakes.

I would hope they keep at least the brakes hardwired. The throttle I can understand, but even that, I like the control. My wife's truck has a "electronic" throttle, kind of funky to get use to, but it is nice. It actually seems to accelerate best when you gradually give it gas rather than romp on it. Although sometimes when you do romp on it, it cracks your neck and throws you back in your seat. I love torque!