Opinions regarding the three DCT modes?

[Goose]

I'm going to experiment with the three different ways the Dual Clutch Transmission works, but I wanted to get others' opinions/experiences.

To be clear, the DCT appears to have three modes of operation: "Drive (D)", "Drive Sporty (Ds)" and "Sport (S)".

Now that I'm using the compressor regularly to defog my windows, the Veloster's already slow reaction to throttle (in "Drive" mode) is even worse. Having never owned a sequential gearbox, I'm almost afraid to try it in "Sport" (manual) mode during stop-and-go traffic. The fact that the tranny goes automatically into first after stopping helps, but I don't know if I can train myself to work the paddles effectively. Having driven only conventional stick shifts in the past, I imagine myself lapsing into old habits and damaging the tranny - or getting hit due to some kind of abrupt stop in traffic.

I've read about other cars' semi-auto boxes going to neutral if both paddles are pulled at the same time - does the DCT do this? I don't want to "just try it" in case it screws up the tranny.

I admit that I haven't really tried "Drive Sporty" mode yet - mainly 'cause I didn't realize that there was a third type of shift programming. Embarrassing. Based on the description of "Ds" mode in the owner's manual, it may have better throttle response than just plain "D" mode (I hope). Those that use "Ds" mode - what are your impressions of this mode versus "D" mode?

[zolihonig]

Actually just read this in the manual... if you hit both paddles at the same time it just doesn't register the shift at all.

Consult with your manual first, of course.

[Goose]

Oops - missed that part. I assume you have a DCT - which mode do you normally use in NYC?

[Zach]

I'm going to experiment with the three different ways the Dual Clutch Transmission works, but I wanted to get others' opinions/experiences.

To be clear, the DCT appears to have three modes of operation: "Drive (D)", "Drive Sporty (Ds)" and "Sport (S)".

Now that I'm using the compressor regularly to defog my windows, the Veloster's already slow reaction to throttle (in "Drive" mode) is even worse. Having never owned a sequential gearbox, I'm almost afraid to try it in "Sport" (manual) mode during stop-and-go traffic. The fact that the tranny goes automatically into first after stopping helps, but I don't know if I can train myself to work the paddles effectively. Having driven only conventional stick shifts in the past, I imagine myself lapsing into old habits and damaging the tranny - or getting hit due to some kind of abrupt stop in traffic.

I've read about other cars' semi-auto boxes going to neutral if both paddles are pulled at the same time - does the DCT do this? I don't want to "just try it" in case it screws up the tranny.

I admit that I haven't really tried "Drive Sporty" mode yet - mainly 'cause I didn't realize that there was a third type of shift programming. Embarrassing. Based on the description of "Ds" mode in the owner's manual, it may have better throttle response than just plain "D" mode (I hope). Those that use "Ds" mode - what are your impressions of this mode versus "D" mode?

I wasn't aware of the "drive sport" and "sport" modes. I don't have my manual on me as I am at work...care to explain how to get into these modes?

I have a 2012 BASE NAV. I can move my shifter from drive over to the right and manually shift up and down...

[Victorious Secret]

You can engage the paddles while still in D, don't need to be in S.

Having said that, I'm not sure that changes anything.

If there is some ECU related work that happens from D to S then I'll tip my hat at Hyundai for even bothering but chances are there isn't much of a difference.

I stay in S anyways. Its winter. I like gears 1, 2 and maybe 3. Never get a chance to use higher anyways.

[Goose]

Based on my understanding, if you move the shifter over to the right then do no manual shifting you're in "Drive Sport" mode. I just got back from an in-town drive with "Drive Sport" and I'm not sure if it solves my problem with the DCT.

"Drive Sport" mode does indeed react differently than just "Drive". The V's take-off from a stop in "Drive Sport" mode is definitely better than when in "Drive" mode. With "Drive Sport", the frustrating lag in throttle response is gone. The transmission in "Drive Sport" mode holds the current gear almost to redline, which is kinda silly while just piddling around town. The problem with "Drive Sport" and its gear-holding is that, when a higher gear is selected using the paddles, the transmission is then in "Sport" mode.

Still playing at this point. Those of you that are more familiar with the DCT, please chime in.

[rock_box]

Based on my understanding, if you move the shifter over to the right then do no manual shifting you're in "Drive Sport" mode. I just got back from an in-town drive with "Drive Sport" and I'm not sure if it solves my problem with the DCT.

"Drive Sport" mode does indeed react differently than just "Drive". The V's take-off from a stop in "Drive Sport" mode is definitely better than when in "Drive" mode. With "Drive Sport", the frustrating lag in throttle response is gone. The transmission in "Drive Sport" mode holds the current gear almost to redline, which is kinda silly while just piddling around town. The problem with "Drive Sport" and its gear-holding is that, when a higher gear is selected using the paddles, the transmission is then in "Sport" mode.

Still playing at this point. Those of you that are more familiar with the DCT, please chime in.

And that's in the manual?? Forgive me, I don't have my manual in front of me.

Every shiftable automatic I've ever been in has done what you describe as 'Drive Sport' mode. I've always heard it described as a fail safe to keep the driver from damaging the transmission due to inattention to the transmission being in 'Sport' mode.

[zolihonig]

Based on my understanding, if you move the shifter over to the right then do no manual shifting you're in "Drive Sport" mode. I just got back from an in-town drive with "Drive Sport" and I'm not sure if it solves my problem with the DCT.

"Drive Sport" mode does indeed react differently than just "Drive". The V's take-off from a stop in "Drive Sport" mode is definitely better than when in "Drive" mode. With "Drive Sport", the frustrating lag in throttle response is gone. The transmission in "Drive Sport" mode holds the current gear almost to redline, which is kinda silly while just piddling around town. The problem with "Drive Sport" and its gear-holding is that, when a higher gear is selected using the paddles, the transmission is then in "Sport" mode.

Still playing at this point. Those of you that are more familiar with the DCT, please chime in.

Goose, when I'm driving in NYC I'm usually in Drive mode, but when I'm in the suburbs or highway I usually go between S and DS.

I think the main difference is when the car shifts. In Drive, the car upshifts at about 3000 RPM's. In DS it Shifts at 4000, and in S, it doesn't autoshift till about 6000 (if I remember correctly)

I've only had ny V a week, so I'm also still figuring it out :P

[Turbonium]

When you are in "D" you can drive like a regular Auto. When you put it in "S" (sport,drive sport whatever) it's in manual shifting and holds the gear for you up until redline and it WILL shift if you reach redline. In "S" if slow down it will downshift for you if you get too low or come to a stop etc. If you shift while in "D" (without moving the stick to "S" mode) mode it will allow you to shift up and down but after about 4 seconds it will put itself back in "D" mode so it's not really in sport mode but a momentary sport mode if you stop shifting.

My assumption for being able to shift in "D" it's probably to allow you to change gears for fun spirited driving but it will put you back in safe mode so you don't forget if you stop shifting.

[Zach]

Now I see what the difference is in between the DS and D....I have never had mine "autoshift" when I am in "DS" and I rarely use "D" with the paddle shifters...If i am going to shift I just switch it to "DS"

I will have to see if it autoshifts when I use the paddle shifters only.

[Goose]

After reading my description of the DCT's shifting, I was inaccurate. I did not experience any actual redline shifts while in "Drive Sport" mode. During my short in-town drive, I went to the paddles before the software would have shifted. For all I know, "Drive Sport" would have shifted at 4000 RPM as zolihonig describes.

I guess I'm just too used to the DCT in "Drive" mode which is clearly biased towards mileage rather than performance. In my limited experience with the Veloster, anything above 3K RPM feels like revving the pistons out of the block.

[Turbonium]

In "sport mode" (when your shifter is pushed to the right) it will not shift for you unless you hit redline. You can run second gear up to 6500rpm if you want. The big problem is it will shift you up if you spin the tire and hits redline it will kick you up a gear and all your power when you gain traction will be gone. (please note spinning wheel and power are relative terms ). But yeah i tested every way to drive this DCT transmission and I only shift in sport mode but a good practical use for shifting while in "D" is when you go up hills or need more power but don't want to floor it to have the transmission downshift, you can do it yourself.

It only makes sense for using "D" to drive about, but if you need more power you just click a gear or two down and instant power and off you go and after you get to the speed you want the DCT will just put you right back in "D" mode (it will up shift you back to a higher gear for fuel efficiency) and bob's your uncle.

[Goose]

There's definitely a difference between regular "Drive" (D) mode and "Drive Sport" (Ds) mode. The key to experiencing "Drive Sport" mode is not to use the paddles - let the transmission shift for you. I think I'm liking "Drive Sport", but I know it won't do good things for my fuel consumption.

I did a little more in-town driving today, and resisted the urge to go to the paddles... at least for a while. From what I can tell so far (nothing over 40MPH in local traffic) "Drive Sport" (Ds) is a more aggressive auto-shifting program than "Drive" (D) for the DCT. During regular in-town stuff, "Drive Sport" increases the shift points to about 3200-3500 RPM (at least at the 2-3 shift). Unlike "Drive" mode, "Drive Sport" mode does not go to the highest gear once a steady speed is reached; if you're driving @ 30MPH in 3rd gear @3000 RPM, the DCT will hold that engine speed. If the DCT is in "Drive" during a constant speed, it would quickly shift to a higher gear and have the engine turning at ~1800 RPM. Also, "Drive Sport" mode does indeed downshift (as Turbonium mentioned) through the gears as you approach a stoplight, it even blips the throttle bit as it works... pretty cool.

I'm taking a highway trip tomorrow and look forward to learning a bit more about "Drive Sport" mode. If you don't mind hearing a bit more engine noise (and burning more gas), "Drive Sport" mode certainly seems to improve how the DCT reacts to throttle input. I'm starting to gain a little more respect for the Dual Clutch Transmission in the Veloster...

[BKamp613]

I know it's unclear if the Eco mode actually helps, but have you tried turning it off (if its not already)?

Eco off when I first got mine and it felt fine. Eco on a few days later (my parents advised as they have an Elantra and leave it on) and there's a bit of lag.

I could be wrong.

I'd have to mess around with it. I leave it in "D" all the time anyway.



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[Goose]

No Eco mode for me. I've only recently tried the Eco button out of pure curiosity. I'm always careful to be smooth with the throttle, so I usually exceed the EPA estimates anyway.

The Eco button is meant to improve mileage by softening throttle response slightly. The average driver tends to mash the throttle all the time; this is a major reason why folks don't hit the EPA numbers.

I have no doubt that using "Drive Sport" mode decreases overall mileage.

[Turbonium]

Something sounds confusing. here. What is Drive Sport Mode? I only have "D" and "Sport Mode". Doesn't say anything in manual about "Drive Sport mode". Where are you located? I'm in the US.


ETA: I hope you aren't putting it into sport mode and just driving without shifting.......

[Goose]

I'm in the US (Ohio) and I understand your confusion. The Owner's Manual isn't very well written on this subject. I'm afraid it was written by non-english speakers and wasn't really checked for clarity.

I refer to page 5-19 in the US Veloster Owner's Manual:

According to the manual, the actual name for the mode is "DS mode (Drive Sporty)" mode. I've "Americanized" the name to "Drive Sport". The writing in the "Drive Sporty" section is really quite poor. I had to read it a few times to understand what Hyundai is trying to convey. An example of this rather confusing prose: "If you shift [+] or [-] gear, the mode is change (sic) to sports mode."

Simply put, if you slide the gearshift to the right (between the "+" and "-" manual options) AND DON'T TOUCH IT AFTER THAT, you're in "Drive Sporty" mode. The DCT will shift like an auto tranny (ie by itself), but more aggressively than in just plain "Drive" mode. If you use either the paddles or the stick to manually shift gears, then you're in "Sport" mode which is a different set of transmission behaviors than "Drive Sporty" mode.

Like I said, I'm starting to appreciate the Dual Clutch Transmission a little more now...

[Turbonium]

Hmmmm.. Very interesting.. I will try that out after work. If you're right that's news to me. I don't have the actual manual on hand but just a quick reference and it doesn't mention that at all. I'll check my actual owner's manual too.


ETA: Ok i just read the manual and it does say what you said. I never noticed that before. Other cars i've had in the past with auto/shifting seem to have D and Sport and not the inbetween. (with the exception of the wannabe EVO10 Lancer Ralliart I had which did have such a thing).

[Zach]

Simply put, if you slide the gearshift to the right (between the "+" and "-" manual options) AND DON'T TOUCH IT AFTER THAT, you're in "Drive Sporty" mode. The DCT will shift like an auto tranny (ie by itself), but more aggressively than in just plain "Drive" mode. If you use either the paddles or the stick to manually shift gears, then you're in "Sport" mode which is a different set of transmission behaviors than "Drive Sporty" mode.

Like I said, I'm starting to appreciate the Dual Clutch Transmission a little more now...

Thank you for explaining that! Makes much more sense now. I couldn't figure out why mine wasn't automatically shifting...now I realize it was because I had shifted it myself with the stick prior to trying to let it autoshift.

[Goose]

Not that it really matters, but I never noticed the little red "Ds" in the middle of the manual shift gate until now. Like many folks, I assumed this symbol simply applied to the manual shift option.

I'm eager to really get to know this mode of operation in different driving situations. I hope "Drive Sporty" (what a stupid name) sharpens what is really poor shift behavior for the DCT in auto ("D") mode.