1SICKLEX
10-12-2009, 04:49 PM
I finally got her to the drag strip today and I was hoping to break into the high 13s. My best time was basically a 14 flat :(
I've gone to the drag strip before and hosted events before but it really was different in a hybrid. Whereas in the past I, like everyone else, just get in the car and go (never used any cooling etc methods on my 400/430, why lol) the 450h is different b/c of the battery......which was kind of a PITA today...
So after a couple runs, I drained my battery down to the low reserve "purple" area, 2 bars or less. Uhhhh....the GS 450h is detuned at 292hp vs the GS 350 303hp (same 3.5 DI engine) and the car does accelerate faster/slower depending on the battery charge.
So I had to drive around some, so the motor would recharge the battery. Coasting also recharges the battery as well as braking. Uhhhhhhhhh So after my 1/4 mile run, instead of exiting off the track at the earlier gate, I would coast to the end like I am in a 8 second drag car trying to get the brakes to recharge the battery :D :D D
There is also a "Flash Charge" I can do, but its only recommended once every 3-4 days or so. It takes about 5 minutes and basically you are charging the battery stationary. My of my runs were with a half full battery to 75% full, I could never charge her up past that. Dammit :D
The other part is I could not get comfy launching the car and it is an issue I've had at "lights". Since its a hybrid, THERE IS NO TORQUE BRAKING!!! lol In the 450h, if you press the gas, NOTHING HAPPENS. It doesn't rev, it doesn't make a sound. I got in 18 runs and still really couldn't figure out the best method for launching. This hurt my times :(
Overall I had fun and it was a VERY DIFFERENT experience taking a hybrid to the drag strip compared to a conventional car. Its hilarious that everyone around is BOOMING and VROOMING and well, I am creeping up to the start up line not making a sound as the car is running on the battery under 20 MPH..... Its funny to see peoples faces like "WTF is this ****".....
At the Entrance
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/Entrance.jpg
I took my G/F on a run, actually ran a 14.617 with her and a fun trunk :D This is the view head on from the passenger seat for those that have never dragged their car before. 100.79 MPH
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/01213.JPG
My fastest time 14.057...my 2nd run..it was downhill after that :( 14.2, 14.4, 14.6, then a 15 lol..... My battery only had 4 bars at the time....so I had more power but that was my best. It was cooler at the time...
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/050.JPG
Not sure what vehicle that was but I got smoked :D
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/01612.JPG
Look at that weight transfer!
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/019.JPG
Hybrid power, all stock engine bay
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/033.JPG
I've gone to the drag strip before and hosted events before but it really was different in a hybrid. Whereas in the past I, like everyone else, just get in the car and go (never used any cooling etc methods on my 400/430, why lol) the 450h is different b/c of the battery......which was kind of a PITA today...
So after a couple runs, I drained my battery down to the low reserve "purple" area, 2 bars or less. Uhhhh....the GS 450h is detuned at 292hp vs the GS 350 303hp (same 3.5 DI engine) and the car does accelerate faster/slower depending on the battery charge.
So I had to drive around some, so the motor would recharge the battery. Coasting also recharges the battery as well as braking. Uhhhhhhhhh So after my 1/4 mile run, instead of exiting off the track at the earlier gate, I would coast to the end like I am in a 8 second drag car trying to get the brakes to recharge the battery :D :D D
There is also a "Flash Charge" I can do, but its only recommended once every 3-4 days or so. It takes about 5 minutes and basically you are charging the battery stationary. My of my runs were with a half full battery to 75% full, I could never charge her up past that. Dammit :D
The other part is I could not get comfy launching the car and it is an issue I've had at "lights". Since its a hybrid, THERE IS NO TORQUE BRAKING!!! lol In the 450h, if you press the gas, NOTHING HAPPENS. It doesn't rev, it doesn't make a sound. I got in 18 runs and still really couldn't figure out the best method for launching. This hurt my times :(
Overall I had fun and it was a VERY DIFFERENT experience taking a hybrid to the drag strip compared to a conventional car. Its hilarious that everyone around is BOOMING and VROOMING and well, I am creeping up to the start up line not making a sound as the car is running on the battery under 20 MPH..... Its funny to see peoples faces like "WTF is this ****".....
At the Entrance
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/Entrance.jpg
I took my G/F on a run, actually ran a 14.617 with her and a fun trunk :D This is the view head on from the passenger seat for those that have never dragged their car before. 100.79 MPH
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/01213.JPG
My fastest time 14.057...my 2nd run..it was downhill after that :( 14.2, 14.4, 14.6, then a 15 lol..... My battery only had 4 bars at the time....so I had more power but that was my best. It was cooler at the time...
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/050.JPG
Not sure what vehicle that was but I got smoked :D
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/01612.JPG
Look at that weight transfer!
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/019.JPG
Hybrid power, all stock engine bay
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3569/033.JPG