Car magazine "Zubehör & News" 3/2011
The PedalBox by DTE Systems
Adaptable, more dynamic, faster response: "Small box, big impact" would be a concise, simple way of describing the PedalBox. But of course, we want to go into a bit more detail and not just leave it at one little phrase... So let's move away from the subject of cars for a while and delve briefly into the world of flying.
Because it was here, in the early 1940s, that both the control of various steering systems as well the control of engines was realised by electric means for the first time. This is how the subsequent paraphrase "fly-by-wire" came about, which meant that mechanical connections to the helms, the wings and the engines became a thing of the past.
Another important date in this story was the 22 February 1987. This was the date of the first flight of the Airbus A320, the first commercial aircraft to not have a completely distinct mechanical backup system. Even though there was still a mechanical emergency control system in place, consisting of activation of the side-helm and the elevator flap, in normal flight, the jet was controlled entirely by electronic means.
Throughout the course of the rise in electronics, the system eventually found its way into modern cars, a development which, amongst other things, did away once and for all with the words "I just tore the throttle cable". The response of an electronic accelerator pedal does however suffer from a certain moment of inertia in the realisation of commands and it is here that the PedalBox comes into play. The solution is based on a supplementary control unit. This works incidentally with all engine types, provided that the car has an electronically controlled accelerator pedal. For diesel or petrol engines, whether with manual or automatic transmissions, for engines with or without a turbo charger, tuned or standard models, the PedalBox is always the correct choice.
Maximum efficiency. Greater driving pleasure.
The end result is improved response. The modified signal sent from the accelerator pedal sensor to the control unit transmits an altered value, thereby changing and improving the response of the power unit. The car will accelerate in a more agile manner than standard models and moments of delay will be a thing of the past. The signal is followed immediately by the response, giving the driver the feeling of faster acceleration. However, the torque remains the same; it is merely the response ratios that have improved.
Once responsiveness has improved, driving is a lot more fun. Plus, quick acceleration without any delay gives drivers the feeling of being in better control of their vehicle. This controllable effect has been used for a long time in the world of motorsport as it happens. Here, under the umbrella term of "mapping", it gives the driver the option of changing the engine's response, amongst other things.
Smart driving profile. Less fuel consumption. TÜV-free!
The PedalBox allows drivers to choose between four power levels. We recommend the OFF mode for driving on very slippery road surfaces brought about by ice, snow or heavy rain. The SPORT+ programme is perfect for merging quickly with road traffic or when overtaking is required. The SPORT+ mode incorporates optimal fuel consumption across the entire rpm range and increases throttle response by up to 16 per cent, making it suitable for most driving situations. If driving style is adjusted, the PedalBox may allow fuel consumption to be reduced. The ECO mode is suitable for the stop and go of city traffic and guarantees improved torque in the lower rpm range.
Modifying the values set by the manufacturer therefore has advantages. The often delayed throttle response of modern engines is gone, while retaining the standard engine control unit. And there's one other advantage too: because the PedalBox is not a power booster or does not constitute a change to the car's basic design, TÜV registration is not necessary. And, since the engine parameters are not being changed and approval is not necessary, your insurance coverage will not be affected either.
On the fly: Fitting the PedalBox
Fitting the PedalBox is just as easy as using it. Before installation, allow the engine to rest for five minutes. Then loosen the plug connection from the original plug adapter and insert both OEM connectors to the accelerator pedal sensor. The final step is ensuring that the PedalBox is attached at a comfortable height in relation to the driver's seat. And that's it! Usually, assembly takes little more than five minutes.
Guaranteed to be reliable down to the last detail
DTE Systems has stood for quality products for more than 15 years. The PedalBox is no exception, being carefully designed and manufactured entirely in-house. The data connector is characterised by its light weight, robustness, longevity and – above all else – by its extremely high contact security. It can also withstand all kinds of difficult conditions, including vibrations and large temperature fluctuations, the housing system having a reliable EMC cover. The PedalBox is approved in accordance with EC Directive 89/336 (electromagnetic compatibility) and has the CE marking.
Temperature-resistant OEM connectors have been tried and tested as connecting elements. As part of our quality management system, they are subjected to elaborate tests in our own production hall before being used as connectors. The housing has been specially developed with the DTE design for this product. In order to keep the product's weight at a minimum, the light material PA66 was used. It is glass fibre-reinforced, thereby providing the utmost in hardness and heat resistance. In addition, the plastic is an especially high-quality electrical insulating material for basic shielding. Together with the integrated EMC cover, the PedalBox is effectively protected against radio frequency interference, which means the device will function reliably even under difficult conditions. After being manufactured, each PedalBox undergoes yet another careful examination, with all components being tested for functionality once again in order to guarantee the highest manufacturing quality. At present, the PedalBox is available for lots of car models from Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, with the list of applications being extended on an ongoing basis.
Our summary: A lot of fun for a little money
One test drive was all it took to convince us of how well the PedalBox works. Drivers have probably never been able to have so much extra fun for so little money (RRP around EUR 210, generous dealer margin). Our tip: try it out for yourself!
The benefits of the PedalBox at a glance:
- Improved throttle response
- No more acceleration weakness or delays when the accelerator pedal is pressed
- No more "Turbo lag" when gears are being changed in an automatic power transmission situation
- Suitable for petrol and diesel engines with or without turbo
- With automatic or manual transmission
- Can be easily installed and removed without leaving any traces
- Plug and play, ready for use straight away
- Programmed specifically for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by DTE Systems
- Two-year guarantee
