How often do you use S mode?
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Canada
As someone who went from a 2008 G-coupe to an '09 SH-awd, the diff between their "S" modes are substantial. I mean, aside from the fact that the G is already more aggressively set up (It is a sportscar after all...), the "S" mode on the Acura is way more fun to drive. (I didn't use the paddles much on either vehicle). The attitude on the acura is absolutely changed when in S mode, I found myself doing 90 on I-285 b4 I caught myself, LOL...
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From: Canada
Ok well the automatic SH-AWD TL is no M3
but for what it is it does have good handling - able to power thru turns - all I want to do - as I posted above is to be in a lower gear to be able to drive out of the turn with some power. - so that's the reason I use the paddles to downshift 2x - and then again once thru the turn to get back to high gear
- otherwise I don't paddle shift and let the automatic pick its gear - that fine 95% of the time - I just use it for that 5% of the time I want a little fun
just my opinion
but for what it is it does have good handling - able to power thru turns - all I want to do - as I posted above is to be in a lower gear to be able to drive out of the turn with some power. - so that's the reason I use the paddles to downshift 2x - and then again once thru the turn to get back to high gear
- otherwise I don't paddle shift and let the automatic pick its gear - that fine 95% of the time - I just use it for that 5% of the time I want a little fun
just my opinion
Three Wheelin'
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I'l have to give it a 2nd try
I just got used to the paddles and not having to take my hands from the wheel
but I'l report back after
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From: Appleton WI
After driving the 12 SH AWD i still find the acura system to be lacking. There is no 1st gear hold (it will automatically shift to 2nd) and getting it to go into 1st while moving is next to impossible. Shifts are moderate at best for speed but the new 6 speed makes up for the other shortcomings i listed.
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S mode is perfect for the occasional or daily spirited city driving where speed limits do not reach anywhere near 100mph. I think Acura intended this S mode to be used this way and not for highway speeds. I find it perfect for that Sunday drive in the city or twisty back roads where up to 80 MPH is fun enough. 
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From: Houston
After driving the 12 SH AWD i still find the acura system to be lacking. There is no 1st gear hold (it will automatically shift to 2nd) and getting it to go into 1st while moving is next to impossible. Shifts are moderate at best for speed but the new 6 speed makes up for the other shortcomings i listed.
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When I play around with the paddle shifting on ocassional spirited drives I usually shift between 4-5K and find most of the power there. Mostly though, I've been finding the auto S mode aggressive enough for my liking without having to play around with the toyish paddles.
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You had it in full manual(paddle)S mode and it shifted by itself? That's strange because my '10 does not do that. What RPM did it shift at by itself? Did you hit close to redline because if so I believe it does upshift for you to protect the car.
When I play around with the paddle shifting on ocassional spirited drives I usually shift between 4-5K and find most of the power there. Mostly though, I've been finding the auto S mode aggressive enough for my liking without having to play around with the toyish paddles.
When I play around with the paddle shifting on ocassional spirited drives I usually shift between 4-5K and find most of the power there. Mostly though, I've been finding the auto S mode aggressive enough for my liking without having to play around with the toyish paddles.
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From: Canada
I just checked mine again and it sings all the way up to 6K+ in first before I need to hit the paddle. No way does my '10 auto shift at 2K in full manual S mode.
I hope they didn't change this for the '12s because that would be lame.
Last edited by CalgaryAWDTL; Apr 16, 2011 at 12:44 PM.
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