I noticed today while waiting for traffic light, if I switch to manual (plus, minus) mode my RL takes-off noticeably quicker than what it does in normal "D" mode (automatic). I feel there is more torque in manual then in normal automatic "D" Mode.

Did anyone experience this on their RL, if so what this could be caused by?

Note: It seems 2009 and up version of transmission has different re-mapping of shifting and it is supposed to deliver more power when in manual mode. I was not able to find anything on Acura.

*** I hope this is not somewhere in manual - if it is please do not scream at me I am just one month old RL owner

Thanks!

 

last time I checked on my stock RL, manual mode shaved 1 second off 0-60, 2009.

 

I've noticed this too. I wish there was a SPORT mode on the transmission like my wife's BMW!

 

09+ RL allows you to paddle even in auto mode which is nice, it switches to full auto after a bit but you always get those paddles if the tranny stops 1 too short if where you want to be.

Full sport will actually hold gear and infinitely bounce off the rev limiter, my new car just shifts for self whenever it feels like.

 

Completely agree! I had a loaner 2010 Acura TSX just few days ago not sure if it was V6 but it had same paddles and S mode (sport mode which is completely manual shifting) or D which is just normal driving mode with usage of paddles.

I found it to be really perfected and worked like a charm in driving circumstances on highway or city driving.

On the subject of torque - it is definitely faster when in manual mode but then I do not loose much of torque in D mode - it's just I can notice the difference. Maybe 09+ model and up just perfected the transmission and applied it better that manual mode gives better shifting experience.

 

1 second difference was been D and S modes without using paddles to shift for self. Don't believe that is an option prior to 09.

 

Correct. Was not available until 09 MMC. Also the revised 09 engine helped a bit also with a fattened torque curve, in part from VTEC on the exhaust side, the first time that was ever introduced in a J series engine.

http://acuranews.com/channels/acura-...train?query=rl

 

That's why I could not find anything for prior year models - anyhow, in manual mode it just catches gear better for some reason

 

Somebody correct me if I am wrong. In D mode, the RL starts with 2nd gear (same as my 02 TL), which rev slower than gear one when you are in manual mode. I notice it, when the car is moving at less than 10 km, if I switch it to manual mode, it always shows gear 2.

 

Starting in 2nd gear is an option used for gaining more traction in slippery conditions. You can push "-", and the car will start in 1st. If you start in second and force the car to downshift for you when you slow, it will stop on 2nd gear. All in the manual.

 

RL Sport mode = 4G TL