Why are the D and S gears of Volkswagen placed together?
2 Answers
The reason why the D and S gears of Volkswagen are placed together: To facilitate the driver's operation during the driving process, the D gear is the forward gear of the car, and the S gear is the sports mode of the car. Placing these two gears together provides convenience for the driver. The S gear is essentially the sports mode of the D gear, offering more powerful power output. In this mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting will be delayed. The gears of an automatic transmission car are generally represented by the letters P, R, N, D, S, and L, which stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Sport mode, and Low gear mode, respectively. The R gear is the reverse gear, used for driving the vehicle backward; the P gear is engaged after parking to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward; the N gear is the neutral gear, often used in conjunction with the handbrake when waiting at traffic lights; the L gear is the low gear that can be engaged when going downhill.
After driving a Volkswagen for so long, I've noticed that the D and S gears are designed closely together mainly for driving convenience and safety considerations. The D gear is suitable for daily commuting, offering smooth and fuel-efficient performance, while the S gear in sport mode provides quick acceleration, ideal for highways or overtaking. Their proximity allows me to switch between them on the go without stopping, avoiding distracted operation errors. For example, I can switch to D gear in traffic jams for fuel efficiency and quietness, and switch to S gear on open highways for a bit of excitement, making the whole experience more flexible. The integrated gear lever design reduces unnecessary components, minimizes accidental touches, lowers the risk of failure, and saves interior space. Volkswagen's optimization allows seamless switching between different road conditions and moods, enhancing driving pleasure. After several years of use, it feels incredibly smooth and safe.