Automatic or 6-speed - honest feedback

[jml]

I would recommend the opposite if a buyer was intending to take the car to the track, regardless of what kind of track. I would say get the A10.

Set it in Track Mode (or Drag Mode, depending upon what sort of track) and go for it.

I’m not a track guy so this comment is honestly asking for advice.
I like the AT10, as it’s quick enough and does simplify life while driving in traffic, etc.
However, my only complaint is the « kick in the back » when the gearbox downshifts at high speeds in high g curves, particularly in sport or track model. The first time it happened I was so surprised I thought I was losing control of the car.
Since then whenever I drive in highways with lots of curves I either take it easy in normal mode or if going fast in sport, I always use the M mode of the AT10, and it works pretty well.
How do you avoid this « kick in the back », ie, how do you avoid that the gearbox downshifts 2-3 gears in the middle of the curve?

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[npole]

I’m not a track guy so this comment is honestly asking for advice.
I like the AT10, as it’s quick enough and does simplify life while driving in traffic, etc.
However, my only complaint is the « kick in the back » when the gearbox downshifts at high speeds in high g curves, particularly in sport or track model. The first time it happened I was so surprised I thought I was losing control of the car.
Since then whenever I drive in highways with lots of curves I either take it easy in normal mode or if going fast in sport, I always use the M mode of the AT10, and it works pretty well.
How do you avoid this « kick in the back », ie, how do you avoid that the gearbox downshifts 2-3 gears in the middle of the curve?

I use full auto (D) only for relaxed driving, for anything else (spirited driving, track, etc.) I use "M", much more predictable and you have full control of the gears, pretty like driving in manual, but with the advantage of a fast gear change. For the exact reason that you said: you don't want gear changes based only on RPMs, it must be a pilot decision (ie: i want to drive trough a curve at the max torque and then proceed to upshift only after the exit; or opposite I will downshift to the desire gear before entering the corner).

 

[Starship Enterprise]

Yup…put it in paddle mode and run it in like 5th gear. Running above 3500 RPM and then goosing the throttle will give you a noticeable steady push in the back.

Or put it in Sport Mode, it holds gears longer while you use the paddles.

 

[jml]

I’m not an engineer but it would seem that there is something missing in the software where if the car is turning fast with a high g the downshifts should be different than when in a straight line.
Could someone who did a software tune of the AT10 tell us if it solves this issue? Thanks.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

I’m not a track guy so this comment is honestly asking for advice.
I like the AT10, as it’s quick enough and does simplify life while driving in traffic, etc.
However, my only complaint is the « kick in the back » when the gearbox downshifts at high speeds in high g curves, particularly in sport or track model. The first time it happened I was so surprised I thought I was losing control of the car.
Since then whenever I drive in highways with lots of curves I either take it easy in normal mode or if going fast in sport, I always use the M mode of the AT10, and it works pretty well.
How do you avoid this « kick in the back », ie, how do you avoid that the gearbox downshifts 2-3 gears in the middle of the curve?

It does not sound like this is on a racetrack. On a track, I cannot think of a situation where the transmission would drop 2 to 3 gears in the middle of a curve.

So I do not do anything to address it.


Have you been to a track? If not, would you consider looking for an HPDE track day near you and trying one? You may come away with a different impression of the car and transmission, and you may find your driving style changed dramatically in short order.

If not, then the paddle shifters can always provide what you are seeking, as somebody suggested above (but I would prefer you go do the HPDE thing).

 

[jml]

Try driving in a highway, enter a blind curve and you realize there is a slower car in front of you so you have to release the throttle a bit.
In my experience, when in Sport mode the car will downshift abruptly, causing a “kick” in the back.
I had other sport cars in the past, this didn’t happen: somehow the gearbox “knew” you were in a high g situation and it didn’t try reving up.
I hear that in the Camaro (same gearbox) this problem does not exist as their tuning apparently solve this issue.
Thus my question if someone did a tune in the AT10 and how happy they are with the result.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

Try driving in a highway, enter a blind curve and you realize there is a slower car in front of you so you have to release the throttle a bit.
In my experience, when in Sport mode the car will downshift abruptly, causing a “kick” in the back.
I had other sport cars in the past, this didn’t happen: somehow the gearbox “knew” you were in a high g situation and it didn’t try reving up.
I hear that in the Camaro (same gearbox) this problem does not exist as their tuning apparently solve this issue.
Thus my question if someone did a tune in the AT10 and how happy they are with the result.

After owning this car for months, I am not a fan of the Sport Mode for my Dark Horse. I assume the programing is the same for other Mustangs. Sport Mode seems to me more to be marketing for buyers than "sporty" driving. You almost cannot cruise part throttle in that mode.

It has to do with the accelerator input settings in Sport Mode. They are too aggressive. This makes some feel like the car is faster or more powerful (marketing).

Several have posted here about tuning on the A10. I do not recall anybody describing what it does to Sport mode and whether it addresses your issue.

I do not want any tune to touch my Track Mode transmission or accelerator input tuning. The part throttle input is less than Sport, but also less than Normal. It is meant for precise throttle control on the track. It does downshift aggressively when you are standing on the brake, but it does not give any kick as you are describing. It is more like downshifting with a manual transmission, but the car is doing it for you. The engine is still in its powerband and ready for you to start gently applying throttle.

That is the best way I can describe it.

Of course, a lot of the ESC is turned off in track mode, as are all of the lane features and cruise control, so it may not be suitable for just driving around. I only use Normal and Track now, never Sport. (Occasionally Drag for a quick straight line blast and giggle, hee, hee, hee)

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