AT Drive Modes

[R3v]

Just reading the manual and I'm a bit confused by various modes. Basically, there is an "S Mode" on the shifter, "S+ Mode / Track Mode" on a center console. How all these interact with each other?

1, How the car acts when in S and Normal Mode?
2, How the car acts when in S and S+ Mode?
3, How does transmission acts in these modes? Does it always auto shift or is there a way to shift fully manually with paddles?
4, Even in full manual, does the transmission shift in critical areas, like redline or too low rpm to prevent damage to the engine?

Thanks.

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[Coaster]

• D always allows for "temporary manual". Just use the paddles on-demand. The system takes over soon after you leave them alone.
• D with Sport+ is fully automatic, but with more aggressive shift points.
• S with Sport+ is fully automatic, but with more aggressive shift points. - Minimal change from D with Sport+ as far as I can tell.
• S with Sport+ (after you hit a paddle once)is fully manual.

When you are in S with Sport+ and have used a paddle the car will not shift even at redline, you can sit and bounce off the rev limiter just like a manual. It will still downshift only to keep the car from stalling.

 

[plc268]

I never let the car shift automatically when in S, I always use the paddles. But when in Sport+ Mode, the car shifts much more aggressively. It'll downshift if you start slowing down, and will upshift at a higher rpm.

But if you want to shift manually, just put it in S mode, and stay there. When you want to go back to auto, just put it in D.

 

[R3v]

So there is no S with Normal combination? When I go to S mode, driving mode is automatically set to Sport+?

 

[rgingo]

I've been exploring this also. It took me a few weeks to get a better idea of how it works (the car manual is vague).

The driving MODE is selected by the toggle on the dash. The transmission gear-shift selector ("S-Sport") is actually just the alternative shift map (from "D") for more aggressive shift points and the dropping of the 6th-gear (overdrive). (Originally conceived by Ford years ago as a mode for use going uphill, mountains, etc). Only the transmission is affected.

In "SPORT+" MODE (toggle on dash), many things are affected. The transmission map is adjusted slightly for "D", but "S" stays about the same; the steering-feel is set to "Sport" (you can then retoggle it to "Normal" if desired); the throttle response (the speed at which a throttle input is reacted to) is sharpened; the traction control algorithms are changed to allow more performance tolerance before kicking in; other small adjustments are made in the overall tune. A lot of fun in the twisties, but a bit unsettling in traffic (feels always ready-to-go when you can't actually go).

Hope this explains a bit more about this excellent feature of the Premium Mustangs.

 

[Coaster]

So there is no S with Normal combination? When I go to S mode, driving mode is automatically set to Sport+?

"D with Sport+" and "S with Normal" feel petty much identical.

 

[Old 5 Oh]

So there is no S with Normal combination? When I go to S mode, driving mode is automatically set to Sport+?

No. You can drive in D or S in any of the drive modes. But transmission performance is very similar or the same in D/Sport+, S/Normal and /Sport+.

Sport+ mode basically forces Sport shifting. I find it easier to shift to S than to toggle to Sport+, and I can't really tell much difference between the two.

 

[Old 5 Oh]

In "SPORT+" MODE (toggle on dash), many things are affected. The transmission map is adjusted slightly for "D", but "S" stays about the same; the steering-feel is set to "Sport" (you can then retoggle it to "Normal" if desired); the throttle response (the speed at which a throttle input is reacted to) is sharpened; the traction control algorithms are changed to allow more performance tolerance before kicking in; other small adjustments are made in the overall tune. A lot of fun in the twisties, but a bit unsettling in traffic (feels always ready-to-go when you can't actually go).

Hope this explains a bit more about this excellent feature of the Premium Mustangs.

I've no doubt all of this is true. I do challenge how noticeable any of it is. I have tried to notice the changed throttle response, but can't tell a difference. I do agree the car feels a little hyper in Sport+ (or even with the trans in S), to the point where I don't drive it that way in traffic. I think that's a benefit; the aggressive shift mapping and active rev-matched downshifts are really cool when you have the space to play.

 

[Rickycardo]

I find mine car much more responsive in Sport+ mode than in normal mode. I almost always drive in Sport+ mode. After getting used to driving in Sport+ mode I find normal mode has too much lag for me. Yes, I drive in traffic every day. I spent all day today driving in Track mode. That's so much fun I may never go back to Sport+

 

[rgingo]

The overall flexibility of the tranny and modes make the car very adjustable so each driver gets the feel/responsiveness etc that suits them and their driving conditions. This is very much more important than many realize, and this customization is just as important as the cosmetic mods or the performance mods. Haven't tried the wet/snow mode much (having too much fun in Sport+), but way up north the reports say it allows the car to handle nicely on slippery roads...... also a plus.

 

[Old 5 Oh]

Haven't tried the wet/snow mode much (having too much fun in Sport+), but way up north the reports say it allows the car to handle nicely on slippery roads...... also a plus.

I had the chance to drive over a snowy Donner Pass (I-80) at Thanksgiving last year. Snow mode was awesome, the car never slipped and never put a foot wrong. Better than my FWD Lincoln in similar conditions. A big factor is Snow mode kills throttle response. You really have to push on the gas to do more that casually accelerate, so there's no "accidentally" kicking out the rear end if you sneeze and twitch your foot. The P-Zero Neros are not bad on slick surfaces, either, so overall it does an amazing job for a 435-hp rear-driver.

 

[Rickycardo]

I drove all day yesterday in the rain in Track mode. Even with summer tires the car is very predictable and has a lot of grip.

 

[PrabhtheStig]

This clears up a lot. Thanks

 

[16mach1]

I've read all the post and track mode was only mentioned a little. What is the difference b/w S+ and track mode.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I've read all the post and track mode was only mentioned a little. What is the difference b/w S+ and track mode.

Track mode is the same as sport + but turns off all nannies like TC.

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