Question on the Driving Mode Selector

[Red17]

ELI5, now I've never had a car equipped with something like this and to be honest I've never even touched the switch. From what I've seen I can choose between Normal, Sport, Track, and Wet/Snow. Do these modes basically limit the power output of the engine for different driving feeling? So I won't be able to utilize the full 435 HP unless I'm in track mode? Does using track mode void the warranty?

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[angermgmt14]

Drive modes change the throttle mapping and traction/stability control. Putting it in track mode will not void your warranty.

 

[gojensen]

I use wet&snow all the time, works wonders (and saves on gas I think because I drive more carefully ) - car is less "spirited" though, but "safer".

 

[Red17]

Ah okay, so power output never changes it's basically all in the pedal feel? So if I went full throttle in "Normal" and compared to full throttle in "Track," the throttle body will still be open the same amount and the same power is created, it's just how touchy the pedal is in regular driving?

 

[AmericanLegend]

I can definitely feel a difference in the throttle mapping when in TRACK mode.

WET/SNOW is noticeably "softer." With very delayed/reduced responses to throttle inputs vs NORMAL. I never use WET/SNOW. I just adjust my driving style in wet conditions. Snow? What's snow?

SPORT + is a weird one for me. I'm not sure I can tell a difference, vs NORMAL.

Does anyone have more information on which parameters are changed and by how much?

 

[ETCH]

+1 Ameericanlegend.

I too feel no difference between normal and sport. I haven't driven mine in track, because I read somewhere (I cant remember where) it turns off traction control. i'm a decent driver, but the last thing I wanted to do with a GT, with a 2.9L whipple turned loose with no traction control.

 

[dgc333]

Ah okay, so power output never changes it's basically all in the pedal feel? So if I went full throttle in "Normal" and compared to full throttle in "Track," the throttle body will still be open the same amount and the same power is created, it's just how touchy the pedal is in regular driving?

You will feel a power difference in normal mode when the tires start to spin and it pulls power to maintain traction. The traction control is most aggressive in snow mode, less in normal, even less in sport+ and it's off in track mode. It's quite noticeable.

Also, full throttle on the pedal does not mean the throttle blade is fully open. The computer decides how much to open the throttle based on parameters in the programing.

 

[tsunami]

I can tell the difference when I accidentally put the auto transmission into 'S'port instead of 'D'. It is easy to move the shift over when first putting the car into gear.
The car wants to generate a lot more torque when in first gear. You can feel the difference...enough so that I then look down to see it is 'S' rather than 'D'.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Sport and track mode have increased throttle sensitivity (aka less pedal input means more throttle application), but all drive modes will give you full power with the pedal on the floor. Son/wet mode has a really delayed and reduced throttle sensitivity so you are least likely to break the tires loose while applying throttle.

FWIW Sport and track mode have similar feeling throttle maps to me. I can't tell the difference. Those changes are effectively the same thing a "throttle max" device does and they do make the car feel faster to most people.

Track mode turns off "traction control" aka Launch control, while sport and normal leave it on. Maybe sport uses less, IDK.

Normal -> Sport -> Track modes all still use stability control (which stops you from getting too sideways in a corner), but the yaw angles it will tolerate are progressively looser. Track lets you fishtail the most, but it's still pretty tame by some standards.

I like Sport for street use, but generally I don't want to get as sideways as Track mode allows unless I'm planning for it ahead of time.

 

[Bhoris]

+1 Ameericanlegend.

I too feel no difference between normal and sport. I haven't driven mine in track, because I read somewhere (I cant remember where) it turns off traction control. i'm a decent driver, but the last thing I wanted to do with a GT, with a 2.9L whipple turned loose with no traction control.

I drive a manual GTPP with the primary bolt-on upgrades and I can definitely tell a difference between normal and sport+. In fact, as soon as I get into the car and fire it up, I swap to Sport+ mode. It's funny to me that you can't tell a difference between Normal and Sport+ but you can tell a difference between Normal and Track. I honestly can't tell a difference whatsoever between Sport+ and Track except for the traction control being off completely in Track mode.

I'm not trying to argue with you at all, I just thought your comments were interesting. Everyone is different!

 

[Rock&Roll]

I l leave mine in Normal mode most of the time.

I put her in Sport Mode when I want to get a Speeding ticket and it usually works :(

Its freezing sleeting rain outside and I just drove to work so I put it in Wet/Snow mode.

I'll probably never use the Track mode.

 

[Red17]

Thanks for all the responses guys, I feel like I really understand what it all does now! Can't wait to try out sport mode

 

[Azzurro]

+1 Ameericanlegend.

I too feel no difference between normal and sport. I haven't driven mine in track, because I read somewhere (I cant remember where) it turns off traction control. i'm a decent driver, but the last thing I wanted to do with a GT, with a 2.9L whipple turned loose with no traction control.

To me there is a huge difference between normal and sport most notably being the exhaust note. I have Borla ATAK's too and it's significantly louder. Throttle response is much faster too. The car in sport mode just feels quicker with quicker acceleration. For me they are night and day.

 

[cbrookre]

it is not just the throttle mapping, it is the traction control that is different as well. I really do not notice a huge difference (but there is a difference) between Normal and Sport until the tires start to spin, Normal will shut it down pretty quickly while Sport will allow it to break loose more before reining it in. Snow/Wet it is very difficult to get it to lose traction, and you can feel the big dip in power when you get aggressive with the throttle and it would be losing traction. I think that is the biggest difference.

 

[jwhite]

+1 Ameericanlegend.

I too feel no difference between normal and sport. I haven't driven mine in track, because I read somewhere (I cant remember where) it turns off traction control. i'm a decent driver, but the last thing I wanted to do with a GT, with a 2.9L whipple turned loose with no traction control.

Quick question for you, I've got a Roush SC'er and to be honest, I don't think the traction control keeps up very well with the added power and faster RPM's? Now I have a PP base so I only have steering input.
What are your thoughts?

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