Unless I missed it, none of you have mentioned whether or not the Traction Control was engaged during your test drives. I think I have read that the system defaults to ON and has to be turned OFF at ignition. Any takers?

Side note regarding the 05 1/4 mile video:
I assumed that Trac was responsible for the 05's lethargic launch in that video.

 

Traction Control CAN be turned off, and is in the ON state when you start the car.
There are ways (aftermarket or mod) that can have the reverse...off first)

New Traction control system seems to be smarter in how it works (IE: allows burnouts in first or what have you)

 

I turned the traction control off when I drove the 05.

 

On my drive the Traction control was on. It didn't seem to affect 1st gear at all (lot's of squeeling) but when I banged 2nd the tires gave a short squawk and the engine suddenly bogged down but just for a brief moment. I wish I had turned it off if that was allowed.

 

How do you turn off the traction control?

 

There is a button on the dash, I believe on the 05s is above the radio. Press the button and voila

 

Wow that is pretty cool. My truck doesn't have any of that fancy stuff. Does it come like that on a lot of cars?

 

The current mustang also has traction control and it is disabled in the same manner.

 

I forgot to turn mine off But, I also forgot what kind of car I have too. D'oh

 

the trac contorl on/off button is the one labeled 'tcs'