Lotus DPM

Not to be confused with the SELOC meaning for DPM, the Dynamic Performance Management system is Lotus' branding for the cars electronic stability control systems, consisting of:

• Corner Brake Control (CBC)
• Drag Torque Control (DTC)
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)*
• Understeer Recognition

All apart from * can be completely switched off

DPM is only found on the Evora (post March 2010 onwards), ZR-series engined Elises (1.6 from September 2011 onwards, MY12 S) and the V6 engined Exige S. Some previous models could be fitted with optional Lotus Traction Control.

Elise

Elise DPM Sport Button

Sport Mode

Only available on cars fitted with optional Sport Pack.

Evora

Evora IPS Sport Button

Sport Mode

Only available on cars fitted with optional Sport Pack (Standard on Evora S).

Exige S

Exige S (Prototype) DPM Mode Selector

Unlike the Elise and Evora, the Exige S uses a 3 position rotary switch. The third position, marked with a chequered flag, is used to disable the Lotus DPM assists entirely, and to select Race Mode in cars equipped with the option.

The switch does not stay in the third position and returns to the centre after being selected by twisting and holding the switch - so if the car is restarted it will revert to Sport Mode, not the previously selected Race Mode or DPM Off. This is important to remember as Sport Mode is LESS restrictive than Race Mode.

Touring Mode

Touring mode puts all DPM systems in to their fully activated mode and is designed for normal daily driving conditions.

ABS: Constant
Max Engine RPM: 6800rpm
Throttle progression: Standard
Engine Protection Valve (Exhaust valve) strategy: EPV opens at high throttle/RPM applications
DPM Characteristics: Understeer recognition on, managed slip threshold

Sport Mode

Sport Mode increases the traction slip thresholds and removes understeer recognition, allowing the driver more vehicle control before an intervention is required.

ABS: Constant
Max Engine RPM: 7200rpm
Throttle progression: Increased response
Engine Protection Valve (Exhaust valve) strategy: EPV opens from medium throttle applications/engine speeds
DPM Characteristics: Understeer recognition switched off. Increased slip thresholds and increased yaw angle available

Race Mode

Only available on cars fitted with optional Race Pack.

ABS: Constant
Max Engine RPM: 7200rpm
Throttle progression: As Sport
Engine Protection Valve (Exhaust valve) strategy: EPV permanently open
DPM Characteristics: Understeer recognition switched off. ESP intervention level set high to allow race traction control to function. The traction system learns and calculates available levels of grip and optimises the correct level of torque and EDL intervention to deliver maximum traction to the driver

Launch Control

Available only on cars equipped with the Race Pack. Can only be activated when the car is stationary and in Race Mode.

To use launch control the car must be:

• Stationary
• Engine coolant temperature between 80-110c
• Steering wheel in the straight ahead position (a few degrees tolerance allowed)
• Launch control not have been used in the last 2 minutes
• No ECU/ESP fault codes present
• Vehicle has not performed the maximum number of allowed launches (still to be defined)
• Vehicle has covered more than 500 miles as logged by the ECU

The launch control system can be seen in action on YouTube.

Off

All assists disabled except those related to braking.

ABS: Constant
Max Engine RPM: 7200rpm
Throttle progression: As Sport
Engine Protection Valve (Exhaust valve) strategy: EVP permanently open
DPM Characteristics: TC.ESP is completely switched off