When to Use the Sport Mode in an Automatic Transmission?
1 Answers
Automatic transmission sport mode is engaged during overtaking. The sport mode in an automatic transmission is the S gear. In this gear, the transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer period. This allows the car to operate at low gears and high RPM for an extended time, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Most automatic and dual-clutch transmission vehicles have an S gear, while it is less common in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) vehicles. The working principle of the S gear is that, compared to the D gear, its shift timing is delayed. Regular automatic or CVT models typically maintain RPM around 2000, whereas the S gear delays the shift timing until the engine operates at its optimal performance. For vehicles equipped with paddle shifters, it can even reach the RPM redline.