Many Q drivers experience a clear torque limitation in first and second gear in A, N and D mode. The engine management and/or gearbox control is often to blame. Which is understandable. 

But unfortunately, the engine control only had a clear torque limitation until 2018. The gearbox control has never been limited.

But what is causing this torque reduction?

At the beginning of 2025 we (Squadra) finally found the answer to that. The ABS system. We had suspected this for some time, but we could not prove it. But now we can. The ABS system has a so-called “Torque reduction” function. This function sends a maximum allowable torque value via the CAN network to the engine management system. 

This in turn limits the torque by reducing the turbo pressure.
Measurements have shown that this strategy becomes active even before wheel spin occurs. However, it seems as if there is some kind of self-learning active based on “past experiences”. The torque is most limited at lower speeds. The limitation decreases as the rpm increases. It is strongest in 1st gear. Also decent in 2nd. At the end of the RPM range in 2nd the reduction switches off. In 3rd the limitation is only slightly present below about 3500 RPM. But in extreme conditions (rain) the restriction can even become active in 4th or 5th.

Please note that this torque limitation is slightly different from the ASR control. The “Torque reduction” occurs in advance, before wheel spin occurs. The ASR intervenes when wheel spin actually occurs.

Race Mode has absolutely no “Torque reduction” function or ASR control.

Above is a screenshot from the Performance Logger Dashboard. Here, full throttle is applied successively in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. We check the permitted torque in each gear at approximately 3500 RPM.

1st gear: 265 Nm
2nd gear: 467 Nm
3rd gear: 608 Nm

We will delve deeper into this matter over time. More will follow later……