After hearing how good VDC is at preventing fishtailing and slippage, how come they don't offer it on the automatic transmission models?

 

It is nothing against the automatic as much as it is against the models, the base (AT & MT), enthusiast (AT & MT) and Touring (AT) don't get VDC while the Touring (MT), Performance (Only MT available) and Track (Only MT Available) get VDC.

 

I think there is confusion as to what VDC does as opposed to TCS (Traction Control System) which is standard on all models except base. The main function of VDC is to minimize understeer and oversteer in cornering situations. It is not necessarily involved with maintaining traction as much as maintaining direction. By analyzing wheel speeds along with steering input and vehicle yaw rate (rotation about the vertical axis) it determines if your car is going in the direction you are intending versus an oversteering or understeering situation.

TCS is concerned solely with maintaining traction. It (from my understanding) does not care what the steering angle is...it is only looking at the spin rates of the tires in determing if there has been a loss of traction. I believe this is the system that comes into play in the above example of "fishtailing and slippage". I'm assuming that by "fishtailing" you mean losing the back end under acceleration from low speed or a stop. TCS will help you keep from spinning the tires when accelerating in poor conditions (or perfect conditions for that matter!)

It is important to remember that as good as these electronic aids have become that they still can not overcome the laws of physics. If you carry way too much speed into a corner, no amount of computing power and braking will magically make your car follow the intended line. Similarly, traction control will only work if there is traction to be had...on ice it will do diddly for you. These safety features are definately helpful, but they in themselves can not replace common sense.

 

thats true, but TCS can only cut power, while VDC can brake indivual tires. if your in a slide, cut power all you want, unless you brake the proper tires your not gonna fix it.

as for models, who knows. doubt it has anything to do with it, but its only on cars with 18" rims.