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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:07 PM
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Default Driving Modes

I've had my Corvette for 2 weeks. I have an automatic transmission with paddle shift. I've been experimenting with the various driving modes and I'm having a hard time feeling any difference in the performance. Of course, there is an obvious difference when using the paddle shift but it's hard to go over 40MPH in Los Angeles traffic. It hardly seems useful/practical for me to use the paddle shift on a daily basis.

What mode do you drive in? I'd love some opinions and feedback.

Russell
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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I use the sport mode and the paddle shifter unless I'm on the highway
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RussellZ
I've had my Corvette for 2 weeks. I have an automatic transmission with paddle shift. I've been experimenting with the various driving modes and I'm having a hard time feeling any difference in the performance. Of course, there is an obvious difference when using the paddle shift but it's hard to go over 40MPH in Los Angeles traffic. It hardly seems useful/practical for me to use the paddle shift on a daily basis.

What mode do you drive in? I'd love some opinions and feedback.

Russell
If you are in LA traffic the best mode is D or S (Without paddles engaged), if you are taking a drive up to Big Bear or other twisty roads then paddle mode is fun and if you have a 08 revmatching on down shift is neat. Now if by chance you want to go to the drag strip your best runs will be in S with Competition mode set, some turn TC & AH off but you need to try the best method for you. Do not use the paddles at the drag strip more than likely you will hit the limiter going from 1st to 2nd, revs climb faster than you & the computer can react to.

Have fun
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:21 PM
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Sport Mode all the time.

Paddles all the time, (unless in bumper to bumper, then a quick click up and then back down, so paddles can be activated on a whim).

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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:27 PM
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Just in drive most of the time. Unless on twistys.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:30 PM
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The transmission is supposed to "learn" your driving style when in "D". So if you drive in L.A. traffic in "D" all the time the trans will likely be disappointing when you want some performance shifting from it, whether in "D" or "S". So, I suggest you find a low traffic time, less populated area, and drive it hard in "D" for awhile to try to get it to "learn" that style. Then when you have what you want, do most of your driving in "S" so it won't "learn" anything different. Just a suggestion.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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Most of my driving is in town, close to stop-n-go driving, so I usually keep it in S, but don't use the paddles very often.

Even during the 75 mile drive on the interstate once a week, I still leave it in S without using the paddles.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by CETA 256
Just in drive most of the time. Unless on twistys.
-- Me too -- or -- unless I feel frisky, then I use the paddles. -- --
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Old May 23, 2008 | 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by RicK T
The transmission is supposed to "learn" your driving style when in "D". So if you drive in L.A. traffic in "D" all the time the trans will likely be disappointing when you want some performance shifting from it, whether in "D" or "S". So, I suggest you find a low traffic time, less populated area, and drive it hard in "D" for awhile to try to get it to "learn" that style. Then when you have what you want, do most of your driving in "S" so it won't "learn" anything different. Just a suggestion.
I tried this and it doesn't work. I believe the "learning" is a myth.
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Old May 23, 2008 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by RussellZ
I've had my Corvette for 2 weeks. I have an automatic transmission with paddle shift. I've been experimenting with the various driving modes and I'm having a hard time feeling any difference in the performance. Of course, there is an obvious difference when using the paddle shift but it's hard to go over 40MPH in Los Angeles traffic. It hardly seems useful/practical for me to use the paddle shift on a daily basis.

What mode do you drive in? I'd love some opinions and feedback.

Russell
In bumper-to-bumper, S and leave it in 2nd gear. Up shift as needed. No need to down shift since the A6 will back down as needed.
Once clear of traffic, click to D then back to S.
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