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A6 - Best mode for drag racing?

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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 11:27 PM
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Default A6 - Best mode for drag racing?

I just bought a 2009 A6 Vette and am a bit confused with all the modes. I read the links in the FAQ and did some searches but I want to double check. I *think* when you drag race the best combination is to put the shifter in "S" and hit the button on the console once which disables traction control but leaves aggressive Active Handling System on. Then you just floor it and not touch the paddles. Is this correct? Is there really a difference in how the trannie shifts with "D" vs "S"?
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 11:36 PM
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Yep- S mode + smash and go. Remember to hold on for dear life!
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:06 AM
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Originally Posted by SubSolar
Is this correct?
Yes.





Originally Posted by SubSolar
Is there really a difference in how the trannie shifts with "D" vs "S"?
Not a huge difference no, but there is at least some.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by LS1LT1
Yes.





Not a huge difference no, but there is at least some.
OK, so all C6 A6 drag racers put it in S and hit the button on the console once, right?
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by SubSolar
OK, so all C6 A6 drag racers put it in S and hit the button on the console once, right?
Yes(S) and no, try all 3 modes to see which one gives you the best results.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Tony B4
Yes(S) and no, try all 3 modes to see which one gives you the best results.
You mean some A6's perform better in different modes?
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by SubSolar
You mean some A6's perform better in different modes?
Yes. There is: Traction control off, Competition mode, and shutting off traction control and competition mode by holding down on the button for 5-10 seconds, which completely shuts everything off.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Tony B4
Yes. There is: Traction control off, Competition mode, and shutting off traction control and competition mode by holding down on the button for 5-10 seconds, which completely shuts everything off.
I've heard traction control can slow you down but active handling doesn't and you should keep it on cause it can save you if there is a wet spot on the track or something. Do you agree?
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:29 AM
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Originally Posted by SubSolar
I've heard traction control can slow you down but active handling doesn't and you should keep it on cause it can save you if there is a wet spot on the track or something. Do you agree?
Yes, thats what Comp mode is, its active handling on with tc off. If you feel confortable, I would also try it with everything off.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 09:57 AM
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"S" on shifter and all off for AH.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 12:13 PM
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My best runs have been with everything turned off, in S mode and no paddles....
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by SubSolar
I've heard traction control can slow you down but active handling doesn't and you should keep it on cause it can save you if there is a wet spot on the track or something. Do you agree?
I won't say for certain how much the AH had to do with it, but I hit a spot about the 1200' mark from the previous guys blown radiator hose with my left side wheels. I instantly corrected, but the computer probably beat me. I was well past the finish when it finally straightened out. That couple of hundred feet of unintentional adrenalin convinced me the AH was never getting turned off in my car. The helmet smacking the window wasn't pleasant either.

One thing to keep in mind about my experience with your concern, is that AH will not overcome physics. If the track has a wet spot, the tires will still slip until they dry off. You still have to drive as AH is only an aid, not a replacement.

BTW, the stock shift points are about 200 RPM higher in S than D.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
I won't say for certain how much the AH had to do with it, but I hit a spot about the 1200' mark from the previous guys blown radiator hose with my left side wheels. I instantly corrected, but the computer probably beat me. I was well past the finish when it finally straightened out. That couple of hundred feet of unintentional adrenalin convinced me the AH was never getting turned off in my car. The helmet smacking the window wasn't pleasant either.

One thing to keep in mind about my experience with your concern, is that AH will not overcome physics. If the track has a wet spot, the tires will still slip until they dry off. You still have to drive as AH is only an aid, not a replacement.

BTW, the stock shift points are about 200 RPM higher in S than D.
Good info! I wish they would have made the shift points the same in D and S. It wouldn't effect gas mileage anyway in daily driving since you aren't flooring it all the time. Just another step to do if you need to take out a porsche out of the blue: turn off AC, hit traction control button, shift from D to S...
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 03:41 AM
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I agree with HOXXOH never tune off AH when dragracing .It won't
slow you down any , but can save you if you get in trubel . Ben there
done that .
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