What does the S mode in a car mean?

[OJoseph]

Car S mode, also known as Sport mode, is the sport setting ("S" stands for "sport") found in many automatic transmission vehicles. Some high-end A-segment cars also feature an S mode design. In Sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, allowing the engine to maintain higher RPMs for an extended period. This keeps the car in lower gears at higher speeds, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Since S mode only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, it inevitably increases the transmission load in the short term, leading to higher temperatures and accelerated wear. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid prolonged use of S mode. In terms of fuel consumption, because the fuel injection volume increases at high RPMs, S mode consumes significantly more fuel than normal mode. However, using S mode also has benefits for the vehicle. For cars frequently driven in congested urban areas, engine carbon buildup can be substantial. Periodically using S mode helps remove deposits from the engine, improving fuel economy and extending engine lifespan.