McLaren Patent: Restricting Track Mode to Closed Circuits

A shift in human-computer interaction is emerging as automotive manufacturers explore methods to ensure high-performance vehicle features are used responsibly. This includes the development of systems that could limit track-specific driving modes to designated closed circuits.

Highlights

McLaren has filed a patent application for a system that would use GPS to restrict a vehicle's "track driving mode" activation to recognized closed tracks. This initiative reflects a broader industry discussion about the appropriate use of high-performance vehicle capabilities on public roads. Meanwhile, a similar restriction implemented by Xiaomi for its SU7 Ultra model faced significant user backlash, leading to its reversal.

Context

The debate surrounding the use of high-performance vehicle modes, such as "track mode," on public roads has intensified. These modes, designed to unleash a vehicle's full power and optimize handling for competitive lap times, are often explicitly stated in official manuals as being for closed-track use only. However, these recommendations are frequently disregarded by owners.

For developers, the challenge lies in balancing performance capabilities with public safety. Traditional interfaces struggle with the misuse of features like 0-100 km/h sprints on public roads, which can pose significant risks.

Technical

McLaren's proposed patent involves a GPS-based locking mechanism. This system would prevent the activation of "track driving mode" unless the vehicle's location data confirms it is on a pre-approved track. From a structural standpoint, this aims to make the "track mode" restriction mandatory, moving beyond mere recommendations.

In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra initially introduced a "lap time assessment to unlock horsepower" rule. This required owners to complete a timed lap on an officially designated track, achieving a time better than a specified standard, to access the vehicle's full 1548 horsepower. Without this, power was limited to approximately 900 horsepower.

Industry Response

The automotive industry has seen varied reactions to such restrictions. While manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and AMG include disclaimers in their manuals, the implementation of mandatory restrictions has proven contentious.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's attempt to enforce track mode usage through a software update (OTA) was met with strong opposition from owners. Many users felt that limiting horsepower after purchase diminished the value of their high-performance vehicle, especially given the additional costs and inconvenience associated with track access. Consequently, Xiaomi canceled the update and offered compensation to affected owners.

Beyond specific vehicle features, there are broader regulatory discussions. A draft for comments on the national standard GB 7258 proposes that a vehicle's default 0-100 km/h acceleration time must be ≥5 seconds, and high-performance modes would require secondary confirmation.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the trend suggests a growing emphasis on responsible performance vehicle usage. While the development of high horsepower and racing technologies continues, there is an increasing push to differentiate between track and public road applications. The potential safety hazards of using track mode on public roads are significant, including reduced ground clearance, disabled electronic safety systems (like ESC/ESP, ABS, and TCS), and increased wear on vehicle components. In practice, track mode settings, which optimize for grip and controlled environments, can lead to dangerous instability on public roads with varying surfaces and obstacles.