goldenrod

Hi guys,

Apologize in advance if this is a dummy question, but what is the difference between D and Ds mode? What do i gain in Ds?

Thanks,

mrodenberg0124

The super duper simulated shifting mode. Or is it duper super? Basically it simulates shift points. It does make you run at slightly higher RPMs so it could be useful for passing on the interstate.

bk2k3max

It isn't a stupid question at all:

DS Mode is more fun than D Mode but in all actuality the D Mode is actually faster even though DS Mode feels like it is faster.

When you're in DS Mode it does react faster at higher speeds for passing because it's as though you can feel the car shifting gears (even though the CVT is gearless).

D Mode is just like driving a regular Automatic.

Is it just me or do we need a CVT that has steps like a 7speed Auto?

Ghozt

I actually posted this question a while ago, here's a link to the thread where a bunch of people weighed in. Ultimately it looks like all testing shows D mode to be the fastest, although Ds seems to Rev higher RPM's.

http://forums.maxima.org/7th-generat...vs-drives.html

fclifton

I actually like to Paddle shifters. Anyone else?

lightonthehill

Simple situation.

Using the Ds simulates putting the shift points back in the process, and shift points are instants where the engine is running and using gas, but no acceleration of the car is taking place. That makes the Ds option slower and less fuel efficient than the D.

Track testing by several posters here on the ORG have confirmed this.

Ghozt

I'm definitely starting to see what people are saying here...the Ds mode sounds like you're going faster and the RPM's go higher but if you watch your speed you're not accelerating any faster. Honestly though I'm having more fun playing with the tap shifters and pretending this car is a weird clutchless manual, still trying to get better at "downshifting" for speed boosts - if it's even really that doable in this car

dr_2010SV

Not so much for highway driving but for in town and for trans braking works great. For me it's either "D" or "manual mode". Don't use "DS" mode much except to take the car from "D" to "DS" to slow the car without using the brakes. The CVT won't allow the engine to over rev while downslipping from D to DS.

CP3

Saw this in the other thread referenced in this thread. Can someone explain this? I feel like I missed something...

Ghozt

The only reason I use Ds is if I don't want the car to return to automatic by itself when I'm shifting "manually". In D it will return to automatic after RPMs level out for a short time.

CP3 - what emckissack is talking about is when you push the gas pedal down all the way, if you push hard it goes down even farther almost like you're pushing a button or something. flooring it like this is when your car REALLY takes off.