Favorite Drive Mode for A10?

[Starship Enterprise]

OK, I did try to find an already existing thread on preferred Drive Modes, but just couldn’t find one. I got tired of searching and figured making a new thread isn’t the worst thing in the world. So if there was a thread on this, which I’m sure there must be…go easy on me….I tried. It ain’t the first time a question has been asked more than once here.

OK, So far…. I stay in Normal and add paddle shifting to it for hills and fun. (I’ve only had this car a few months and still breaking it in) I notice if I drop it to 5th or 6th and goose it…. it will hold the gear for quite a while. Interesting! A10 is a smart transmission!

Today I tried Sport Mode again on an empty rural road and explored. It holds gears forever and seems just a base for paddle shifting. It will cruise in 7th or 8th gear instead of 10th. So I was cruising in 7th and tried to accelerate enough without hitting any paddles to drop a gear…it wouldn’t. Almost 3/4 throttle dip and it was still holding 7th. So I hit the throttle more and all of a sudden it dropped gear hard and instantly went from 3000 RPM to 7000 RPM. It did it for like 1 second and I let off, because…what the hell?!? It’s like nothing…..nothing…….then EVERYTHING! I’d rather just put it in manual mode if Sport behaves like that.

Never tried Track or Drag. Maybe after I finish break-in, but it’s weird exploring each drive mode as it’s like climbing into a completely different car, and I don’t know what to expect.

But the few times I tried Sport Mode, I just didn’t like it.

So for me so far, I find Normal mode the best for all around driving. I do set TC off and exhaust set to Track.

(I’m not new to quick cars, I’ve had Camaro Z28’s and an 2006 S197, but hell, this thing has 200 more hp than anything I’ve had.)

What are you all doing for favorite drive modes? And how and where do you use them?

Thanks!

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[MustangNoob]

If just cruising I set it to normal mode. If I want a spirited driving I will set it to sport mode. With regards to paddle shifter, I don't really use them unless I want to hear the rev matching when downshift. Track mode is actually best for track as it keeps gears longer and the acceleration is much more linear/predictable. I found that the sport mode is the most punchier. I never really used the drag mode.

 

[malibu7899]

I always put it in sport mode with track exhaust. So much so that if I happen to forget for some reason a couple miles in I am like, what's wrong with the car and then realize it's in normal mode that's the issue.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

OK, I did try to find an already existing thread on preferred Drive Modes, but just couldn’t find one. I got tired of searching and figured making a new thread isn’t the worst thing in the world. So if there was a thread on this, which I’m sure there must be…go easy on me….I tried. It ain’t the first time a question has been asked more than once here.

OK, So far…. I stay in Normal and add paddle shifting to it for hills and fun. (I’ve only had this car a few months and still breaking it in) I notice if I drop it to 5th or 6th and goose it…. it will hold the gear for quite a while. Interesting! A10 is a smart transmission!

Today I tried Sport Mode again on an empty rural road and explored. It holds gears forever and seems just a base for paddle shifting. It will cruise in 7th or 8th gear instead of 10th. So I was cruising in 7th and tried to accelerate enough without hitting any paddles to drop a gear…it wouldn’t. Almost 3/4 throttle dip and it was still holding 7th. So I hit the throttle more and all of a sudden it dropped gear hard and instantly went from 3000 RPM to 7000 RPM. It did it for like 1 second and I let off, because…what the hell?!? It’s like nothing…..nothing…….then EVERYTHING! I’d rather just put it in manual mode if Sport behaves like that.

Never tried Track or Drag. Maybe after I finish break-in, but it’s weird exploring each drive mode as it’s like climbing into a completely different car, and I don’t know what to expect.

But the few times I tried Sport Mode, I just didn’t like it.

So for me so far, I find Normal mode the best for all around driving. I do set TC off and exhaust set to Track.

(I’m not new to quick cars, I’ve had Camaro Z28’s and an 2006 S197, but hell, this thing has 200 more hp than anything I’ve had.)

What are you all doing for favorite drive modes? And how and where do you use them?

Thanks!

Man you sure do obsess over things despite this being beat to death already.

Lets go over this one more time -

The trottle mapping in sport mode is not linear. It's all front loaded on the initial input. So if you use the same amount of pedal as you do in normal mode, the computer is going to assume you are racing or passing and likes to hold the gears. If you try reducing the amount of pedal your giving it in sport mode, it won't shift as dramatically or hold the gears as much.

But yes, the shift programming does hold gears too long if you are just messing around and mash the pedal. Which is why it's my least favorite mode. IMO the throttle input is just a gimick to "make your car feel faster", when in reality its just a placebo because if you stomp on it in normal mode, it will still take off like a scalded ape. You just need more pedal to accomplish the same thing.

Track mode is where it's at. The trottle input is linear and predictable. There are no surprises. The transmission doesnt hang gears at high RPMs, and it down shifts when you let off the brake or slow down, almost like you are driving a manual. It is soo much better than Sport mode.

Drag mode is the fastest shifting mode. It will feel like your banging gears and will keep you in the power band if you stomp on it. It's no joke.

Im also not sure why you are ripping around in Sport mode but are afraid of track mode because of the break in. That ship sailed If you already hit 7k rpm. Take the training wheels of and start using track mode my man.

 

[D/\rK•650]

I don't have a favorite yet, but i like sport mode and it's what I use the most. Normal mode is good but it stays in gear way long sometimes to long and i think something is wrong. Haven’t even tired drag mode yet. I did try wet/rain mode and it works pretty good. It takes most of the bite out pretty well when you don't want it to slip. Manual mode is also what ive used a bunch and so far i like it as much as sport. Paddle shifters are a bit short and I grabbed the turn signals a few times, have really long fingers. Im still not really jumping on it that much with only 2500 miles, I still think it might benefit from little more break-in, just my feelings on that. I will say I really love it and looking forward to many more fun miles. Has so many bells and whistles im still like wow it can do that !?

 

[Starship Enterprise]

Thanks so far for the feedback all!

Ah Ryan, the resident ballbuster of the forum strikes again……. , (BTW, if you can find another thread that asks favorite drive mode, please link it here, I’d like to read it)……and then proceeds to give a very insightful answer…lol. The worst part about posting this thread was I clicked “Post” just as I noticed I could add a poll. I couldn’t delete this post and start over, so I missed my chance.

I’m just under 1,000 miles, so hitting 7K RPM for literally 1 second didn’t upset me too much….I think. Your description of Track Mode sounds awesome, and I need to try that next. I also did not like Sport, it felt unintuitive and very non linear, and at best, just a base to use paddles over….at least that’s how it felt to me.

I haven’t really tried Track and Drag mode mostly because I was trying to get comfortable with the car and learn at least one behavior. I also thought the other modes were too aggressive to use during break-in. As I near the end of break-in I started to dip my toe in the water and explore the other modes, which led to this thread.

I’m surprised DH650 feels Normal Mode holds gears too long, that mode can’t get to 10th gear fast enough….hell, under a gentle rollout, it’s already in 5th gear in about 5 seconds…lol. You sure it’s Normal Mode holding the gears? Does DH have different throttle mapping programs than the GT?

 

[Frogdog1]

I normally drive around in "normal" mode when going from point A to point B. Now and then I play with Sport mode but it stays in low gears too long and uses engine braking too much for legal street driving. I don't really like it. If you haven't tried Track mode with under 1000 miles, don't do it yet. You aren't ready for it.

My experience is my car has taken about 4000 miles to truly break in, then it acts like it gained 50 more HP, or more. Track mode is a beast and not for public roads. @StarshipEnterprise, drive your car more!! Garage queens are a waste!

 

[jml]

In normal cruising I use normal mode.
I spirited driving I use sport, but always put the AT10 in manual mode as I find the downshifting WAY to too unpredictable, specially when driving in curvy roads.
Manual mode works great though.
Heard some people raving about Lund 93 tune , anyone has experience with how it changes the AT10?

 

[steveo1960]

I also use Sport with exhaust set to Track.

I find that sport mode behaves best when I don't baby the throttle and am more decisive in accelerating rather than kind of hanging around certain spots in throttle pressure and "feathering" the throttle. I realize that is confusing but it's the best way I can describe it.

 

[Starship Enterprise]

Froddog…I agree. I’m always looking for places to drive to. It has got me excited about driving again after driving my 06 GT for so long.

TBH, I have some bad back issues that can last a few days at a time and kill my enjoyment of driving. Long drives are also intolerable, so I deal with the cards I am dealt. There are also days that there is a lot to do around the house, and I just plain run out of time to go for a drive. I also prefer not to take it out in bad weather, we have another car for that.

Thanks to all so far for weighing in!!!! This has been really informative! Especially those who have shared what throttle techniques work best with each mode.

 

[CrossCajunMustang]

OK, I did try to find an already existing thread on preferred Drive Modes, but just couldn’t find one. I got tired of searching and figured making a new thread isn’t the worst thing in the world. So if there was a thread on this, which I’m sure there must be…go easy on me….I tried. It ain’t the first time a question has been asked more than once here.

OK, So far…. I stay in Normal and add paddle shifting to it for hills and fun. (I’ve only had this car a few months and still breaking it in) I notice if I drop it to 5th or 6th and goose it…. it will hold the gear for quite a while. Interesting! A10 is a smart transmission!

Today I tried Sport Mode again on an empty rural road and explored. It holds gears forever and seems just a base for paddle shifting. It will cruise in 7th or 8th gear instead of 10th. So I was cruising in 7th and tried to accelerate enough without hitting any paddles to drop a gear…it wouldn’t. Almost 3/4 throttle dip and it was still holding 7th. So I hit the throttle more and all of a sudden it dropped gear hard and instantly went from 3000 RPM to 7000 RPM. It did it for like 1 second and I let off, because…what the hell?!? It’s like nothing…..nothing…….then EVERYTHING! I’d rather just put it in manual mode if Sport behaves like that.

Never tried Track or Drag. Maybe after I finish break-in, but it’s weird exploring each drive mode as it’s like climbing into a completely different car, and I don’t know what to expect.

But the few times I tried Sport Mode, I just didn’t like it.

So for me so far, I find Normal mode the best for all around driving. I do set TC off and exhaust set to Track.

(I’m not new to quick cars, I’ve had Camaro Z28’s and an 2006 S197, but hell, this thing has 200 more hp than anything I’ve had.)

What are you all doing for favorite drive modes? And how and where do you use them?

Thanks!

During the Ford Performance School the instructors recommended using Normal mode anytime you are simply commuting or driving long distance. Switch to Sport mode with a little paddle shifting to feel some power in backroads and mountains. 4k RPM seems to be a good sweet spot of power. I would suggest going track mode when you get comfortable with the paddle shifting and put it in straight manual mode.

 

[gtstang462002]

My custom setting is sport mode with track exhaust. 2 clicks up on the mode setting every time I start the car. I like the snappy throttle response that sport mode provides for daily driving.

The cruise control mapping is a little on the ridiculous side IMO. It wants to rev our every gear before upshifting. I find myself manually tapping the +paddle just to shift a little sooner in light stop and go traffic. Honestly wish that there was an "eco" setting for the cruise control.

 

[Frogdog1]

Froddog…I agree. I’m always looking for places to drive to. It has got me excited about driving again after driving my 06 GT for so long.

TBH, I have some bad back issues that can last a few days at a time and kill my enjoyment of driving. Long drives are also intolerable, so I deal with the cards I am dealt. There are also days that there is a lot to do around the house, and I just plain run out of time to go for a drive. I also prefer not to take it out in bad weather, we have another car for that.

Thanks to all so far for weighing in!!!! This has been really informative! Especially those who have shared what throttle techniques work best with each mode.

@Starship Enterprise, I completely understand. My back is also a mess. I had surgery at Cleveland Clinic in 2024 and there are days when it's good and days when it isn't. I don't drive in rain either, but, once I recovered from the surgery (a long time), it's way better. Hang in there and get good help, i.e. Mayo or Cleveland Clinic. Don't dick around with amateur doctors. FWIW

 

[MustangMental]

Man you sure do obsess over things despite this being beat to death already.

Lets go over this one more time -

The trottle mapping in sport mode is not linear. It's all front loaded on the initial input. So if you use the same amount of pedal as you do in normal mode, the computer is going to assume you are racing or passing and likes to hold the gears. If you try reducing the amount of pedal your giving it in sport mode, it won't shift as dramatically or hold the gears as much.

But yes, the shift programming does hold gears too long if you are just messing around and mash the pedal. Which is why it's my least favorite mode. IMO the throttle input is just a gimick to "make your car feel faster", when in reality its just a placebo because if you stomp on it in normal mode, it will still take off like a scalded ape. You just need more pedal to accomplish the same thing.

Track mode is where it's at. The trottle input is linear and predictable. There are no surprises. The transmission doesnt hang gears at high RPMs, and it down shifts when you let off the brake or slow down, almost like you are driving a manual. It is soo much better than Sport mode.

Drag mode is the fastest shifting mode. It will feel like your banging gears and will keep you in the power band if you stomp on it. It's no joke.

Im also not sure why you are ripping around in Sport mode but are afraid of track mode because of the break in. That ship sailed If you already hit 7k rpm. Take the training wheels of and start using track mode my man.

I've had my 2024 since April and have never driven in track mode. Drag mode, slipper mode, sport mode all the time but afraid of the traction control being turned off in track mode.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Thanks so far for the feedback all!

Ah Ryan, the resident ballbuster of the forum strikes again……. , (BTW, if you can find another thread that asks favorite drive mode, please link it here, I’d like to read it)……and then proceeds to give a very insightful answer…lol. The worst part about posting this thread was I clicked “Post” just as I noticed I could add a poll. I couldn’t delete this post and start over, so I missed my chance.

I’m just under 1,000 miles, so hitting 7K RPM for literally 1 second didn’t upset me too much….I think. Your description of Track Mode sounds awesome, and I need to try that next. I also did not like Sport, it felt unintuitive and very non linear, and at best, just a base to use paddles over….at least that’s how it felt to me.

I haven’t really tried Track and Drag mode mostly because I was trying to get comfortable with the car and learn at least one behavior. I also thought the other modes were too aggressive to use during break-in. As I near the end of break-in I started to dip my toe in the water and explore the other modes, which led to this thread.

I’m surprised DH650 feels Normal Mode holds gears too long, that mode can’t get to 10th gear fast enough….hell, under a gentle rollout, it’s already in 5th gear in about 5 seconds…lol. You sure it’s Normal Mode holding the gears? Does DH have different throttle mapping programs than the GT?

Its all in good fun bro.

With less than a 1k miles your car is still learning its shift logic. With more break-in and seat time it will smooth out!

I drove to work this morning in sport mode and honestly the car shifted great. I think it's learned my inputs so it's not hanging in the gears unless I mash it.

Try driving just cruising around in Sport Mode without being aggressive. Make a conscious effort to give it less pedal. The car should settle down some.

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