Test driving an AT in 2 hours, any tips?

[Boosted2.0]

Originally Posted by smbrm

I don't think sport mode in manual/paddle shift did anything in particular when I tried. For the AT I found the paddle shifters to be the most engaging mode, both for upshifting and downshifting. What is interesting though is being able to switch modes. So you can cruise on the highway in D and let the brain take care of highway shifts for hills & valleys and then switch over to paddles when you get to ramps and places where you want more control of shifting. Having been a manual driver since forever though it is still tough to get my head around switching. Rowing six gears with MT in the same space that I am used to five, and the lower FE of the manual just feels like a conundrum that doesn't quite add up.

Sport mode in Manual shift mode makes a HUGE difference when driving in anger. Upshifts are much quicker, and the downshifts are also fantastic, and ti even blips the throttle to rev match. It also allows you to downshift into some pretty high RPMs for engine braking.

[smbrm]

Originally Posted by Boosted2.0

Sport mode in Manual shift mode makes a HUGE difference when driving in anger. Upshifts are much quicker, and the downshifts are also fantastic, and ti even blips the throttle to rev match. It also allows you to downshift into some pretty high RPMs for engine braking.

OK cool.

Sport mode does shut off when you engage cruise control, I did notice that.

But why would you need engine braking? Brakes are for braking!

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by smbrm

...But why would you need engine braking? Brakes are for braking!

Engine braking is very important in certain scenarios. Easiest example is downhill decents on a long grade. If you depend on brakes alone, there's a good chance they will not be there when you need them the most. They will fade as they heat up.

[smbrm]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Engine braking is very important in certain scenarios. Easiest example is downhill decents on a long grade. If you depend on brakes alone, there's a good chance they will not be there when you need them the most. They will fade as they heat up.

I agree with you on that one Dadhawk, but I doubt you need sport mode to get that to work!

I am assuming you are still liking your AT? You've had another week or so to play around with its many control options.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by smbrm

I agree with you on that one Dadhawk, but I doubt you need sport mode to get that to work!

True, I assumed the question was about it in general. You do need to be in manual to have it "stick". You can do it in full auto, but it will switch back on you after some time.

Originally Posted by smbrm

I am assuming you are still liking your AT? You've had another week or so to play around with its many control options.

Yes, I'm still very satisfied with it, particularly now that I have some time with it and have learned my left/downshift from my right/upshift and don't have to think about it. I use it all the time these days.

[Boosted2.0]

Originally Posted by smbrm

OK cool.

Sport mode does shut off when you engage cruise control, I did notice that.

But why would you need engine braking? Brakes are for braking!

Engine braking helps keep the vehicle ballanced and controlled when braking heavily. It also reduces the load on the mechanical brakes slightly.