Stop turning off traction control

Modern traction control systems claim to make you a faster driver, not just get in your way and ruin a good time. But can you really trust a computer more than yourself in a high-stakes moment? We're about to find out. Thing is, traction control (and stability control) has come a long way from its unpredictable, reactive roots. Systems like the Chevy Corvette's Performance Traction Management flip the script and work from a more proactive place. Instead of cutting power when you least expect it, they're supposed to subtly help keep you right on the edge of control, wherever that edge exists in relation to a driver's skill. This kind of TCS has existed in motorsports for a long time, and it can give such an advantage to an already-excellent driver that it's banned across multiple racing series. But it's only recently that the tech has made its way into attainable road cars, and skepticism abounds. Today's sports cars are already so disconnected, so who wants another software layer between you and having direct control over what's about to happen? It's useless to point out that a computer will always be able to act quicker than a human, because let's face it, no one wants to hear that. Instead, we're putting all this to the test with our pro driver Nik Romano in a C8 Corvette, setting laps in every PTM mode—including full-off, no-nannies—to see which one delivers the fastest time. You might be surprised. Of course, lap times aren’t everything, and the fastest lap isn’t always the most fun when a computer is what makes it possible vs raw skill. So we decided to see just how far the TC rabbit hole goes by throwing Kyle, a much less skilled driver, into a 1,036-hp Ferrari 849 Testarossa on a soaking wet and freezing cold track. Can Ferrari’s layered systems come together to create a natural, visceral experience that completely masks the technology making it possible? Or is Kyle absolutely screwed? Driver Mod is our series showing you how to be a better driver than your friends. See the full playlist → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_2-7qjynEA&list=PLHa6PXrV-yIifmvVwGYiLnt--Vo7CO3MU Learn more about Nik's coaching business here → https://www.fastsideways.com/ Produced by → https://www.instagram.com/joeyrassool/ Hosted by → https://www.instagram.com/nikromanoracing/ Hosted by → https://www.instagram.com/kylecheromcha/ Previous episode → https://youtu.be/GabmK4Bo9Gs?si=yk0gcF_QgiGKoYar The Drive is a car news and culture site. We do stories you actually want to read. → https://www.thedrive.com/ FOLLOW US! Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedrive/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thedrive TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedrive_official WORK WITH US → [email protected]