Found a vacant, open stretch of road to test the Launch Control. Put the car into D-mode, sport-plus, traction control off. I held the brake to keep the car stopped, and pushed the accelerator down.

I was looking for the Launch Control light on the right spoke of the steering wheel to come on, but it never did as the RPMs approached redline. I didn't want to stress any parts not knowing what the PDK was doing, so I backed off and drove off normally.

What's going on? Am I supposed to hit redline with the gas? I thought it automatically limits around 4k rpm for the launch, and then you let go of the brake...?

Thanks,
--arash

 

The 'Launch Control Active' (or something like that) shows up in the middle of the gauge cluster - same place where you see TPMS, oil readings, mileage, boost, etc.
Enjoy the launch

 

The message shows up where he was looking - in the steering wheel on the right side not in the center display. Instructions:

Preconditions:
– Launch Control should only be used when the
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (lightemitting
diode in button is on and “SPORT
PLUS” is displayed on the steering wheel).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press the accelerator down fully
(kickdown activated) and hold it.
The engine speed will level off at around
5000 rpm.
“Launch Control active” appears on the
steering-wheel display.

3. Release the brake within a few seconds.

Maybe you didn''t get the accelerator pressed down quickly enough or far enough.

 

JH - What year/model is your car? I expected the same as the OP the first time, and nothing showed. I re-checked everything, then noticed the message where I described. Maybe a fault with my car, or maybe it was changed in this version?
So, arash, when you get it figured out, can you repost? Just wondering what you find.

 

I was going by this (from 2010) not that clear but the "B" in both diagrams point to steering wheel lights.

 

Make sure you're in "Sport Plus", not just "Sport"...

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll try it again and report back.

How hard do you guys hold the brake? Maybe I didn't push it firmly enough.

 

One last thing to note. You have to make sure the engine is at the right temp. If it is't properly warmed up and hot the ECU will not allow the car to go into a true Launch Control.

Jay

 

How warm is warm enough? I think the oil temperature was a hair under 200 degrees.

 

I don't think you need to turn off traction control. Maybe that stopped launch control.

 

I didn't see anything in the instructions I posted that said turn traction control off - let us know what happens when you do what the manual suggests.

 

Remember to quickly floor the gas pedal

 

It probably doesn't work with Traction Control turned off, as it is trying to give you the fastest launch possible and therefore would want to control any wheelspin.

 

Actually, I've read posts where you want to turn traction control off, which is what I did. With TC on, it will hesitate as it tries to regain traction on launch. Just my $.02

 

That may be true. My post was speculation. I have found that in my Panamera TT, the engine and transmission must be completely warmed up before Launch Control will function. This may be the more likely culprit for the OP.