S550 Automatic questions
Discussion
I ordered a GT fastback manual a couple of months ago but am now considering changing to the Auto.I have read the pros and cons but am confused about the specifics of the auto option cars and I find that many dealers are not that clear either! so here are my questions.
1)My dealer suggests his sales are 80% Auto / 20% Manual which surprised me,is that your experience also?
2)Dealer suggests Automatics come with Launch control ,whereas Looking online suggests not?
3)Is Track/ Sport mode the same on the auto as the manual car?.
4)How is "manual" mode (paddles) selected,is it as a previous car I owned simply moving the gear selector lever to the correct position ,so arming the paddles?
Any help would be appreciated.
1)My dealer suggests his sales are 80% Auto / 20% Manual which surprised me,is that your experience also?
2)Dealer suggests Automatics come with Launch control ,whereas Looking online suggests not?
3)Is Track/ Sport mode the same on the auto as the manual car?.
4)How is "manual" mode (paddles) selected,is it as a previous car I owned simply moving the gear selector lever to the correct position ,so arming the paddles?
Any help would be appreciated.
twold said:
I ordered a GT fastback manual a couple of months ago but am now considering changing to the Auto.I have read the pros and cons but am confused about the specifics of the auto option cars and I find that many dealers are not that clear either! so here are my questions.
1)My dealer suggests his sales are 80% Auto / 20% Manual which surprised me,is that your experience also?
2)Dealer suggests Automatics come with Launch control ,whereas Looking online suggests not?
3)Is Track/ Sport mode the same on the auto as the manual car?.
4)How is "manual" mode (paddles) selected,is it as a previous car I owned simply moving the gear selector lever to the correct position ,so arming the paddles?
Any help would be appreciated.
Well I was in my mates auto 2 weeks back, and i have my California Special on order auto, so i can try to help1)My dealer suggests his sales are 80% Auto / 20% Manual which surprised me,is that your experience also?
2)Dealer suggests Automatics come with Launch control ,whereas Looking online suggests not?
3)Is Track/ Sport mode the same on the auto as the manual car?.
4)How is "manual" mode (paddles) selected,is it as a previous car I owned simply moving the gear selector lever to the correct position ,so arming the paddles?
Any help would be appreciated.
1. don't this that is correct, have found most dealerships have auto and manual cars but usually the fastback manual is for demo where the auto vert is in the showroom, the auto is more money, so maybe he gets a better cut?
2. read this http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Cat...
3. Sport was brilliant on the auto
4. yes move the gear selector into S then use the paddles, does rev matching, great fun, and a lovely rumble
Thank you all for your replies,I have today amended the order to Automatic.I am however requesting clarification from the dealer as the amended order form that the dealer emailed back to me now has a different order number ....?, and a delivery date put back a month......which is a bit of a pis*er ,as with the original order I had managed to get an amendable slot/sale that had been cancelled and so had gained 7 weeks on delivery.
The auto is pretty good. Put it in D and it is good apart from a little hesitancy on light throttle openings.
In S is is a bit horrible unless you use the paddles - then it is fantastic.
The ecu has fuzzy logic, so "learns" how you drive. Mine after 700 miles kicks down a heap earlier in D now!
In S it blips the throttle on downchanges - daft but real fun.
The changes in sport+ are a touch quicker on the paddles.
Hope this helps - ask if you want to know more!
In S is is a bit horrible unless you use the paddles - then it is fantastic.
The ecu has fuzzy logic, so "learns" how you drive. Mine after 700 miles kicks down a heap earlier in D now!
In S it blips the throttle on downchanges - daft but real fun.
The changes in sport+ are a touch quicker on the paddles.
Hope this helps - ask if you want to know more!
I posted this in another forum in response to a manual/auto debate and I've updated a bit...
I have had my 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto for over 3 months and have put on about 3K miles.
Lazy Driver
This is my first owned auto but I have had normal power auto hire cars in the US.
I selected the 2015 Mustang Auto because I want my driving to be lazy driving and I don't want the frustration of constantly working the gears in heavy traffic.
It doesn't matter to me if the manual or auto is faster because the Mustang is already more than fast enough for me.
I don't intend to be throwing my Mustang around or drifting or doing anything stupid on public roads.
If the traffic in front is preventing me from going at my desired speed then I am more than happy to hang back and wait as it allows people more time to admire my Mustang and see the huge grin on my face.
If the traffic ahead moves out of the way then I have the V8 5.0 power to quickly take advantage and put them behind me but I don't need to prove anything and I'm not going to race or do anything stupid.
So for me the Auto is about calming my driving and not doing anything stupid. If Manual/Auto means something different to you then that does not cause me a problem.
Flappy paddle gear change is a bonus.
Road Test
I now have some experience of the 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto which may be of interest...
Drive (D)
With the Auto with the transmission in Drive (D) it will change up to 6th gear before you even get to 40 mph. This is not a problem.
In a manual and you are in 1st gear and you accidentally stamp on the accelerator pedal then things will happen quickly but you are limited to first gear. With the Auto with the transmission in Drive (D) if you accidentally stamp on the accelerator pedal then the car will take off and start shifting up through the gears and there are no limits. This is a problem (think of the case of wife driving me home from the pub).
In the Auto if you are waiting at the traffic lights or in the pub car park then you can't sit revving the engine to show off that Mustang exhaust roar unless you are stationary in Park or Neutral and you then can't engage Drive until the revs drop. So the good news is that Auto stops you looking like a p***k.
Roundabouts In The Wet
The 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto obviously does not have a clutch which means that under some situations it can very tricky to get power through the wheels and down onto the road. A good example is pulling out onto a roundabout with fast traffic bearing down and the road is wet and being a roundabout it is soon required to drive around a corner. In this situation in Drive the power has to be applied so very very gently to avoid wheel spin or having the rear end step out at even 5 mph. In a Manual you have the clutch to play with so you can more easily moderate the power through the wheels and down to the road and if you over rev for a moment then it doesn't matter. The twitchy rear end is greatly improved by taking off the Pirelli P Zeros and replacing with Michelin Pilot Super Sports MPSS.
Kickdown Panic
In the Auto and in Drive and if you go for the overtake and give too much accelerator pedal then the auto box instantly changes down a few gears and you just take off with the tacho flashing red. In a Manual you say in gear and you can accelerate on engine power alone which is much more controllable. In the auto you have to be more careful to stay in control.
In the Auto and in Drive and if you have done the overtake and you are now going fast and you cut back in and you need to lose some speed to say legal or if there is a bend in the road approaching and so you lift off but the Auto now starts changing up and you don’t slow down and you even speed up. There is a solution to this which is to stay in Drive and flappy paddle downshift a few gears to get engine braking.
Sport (S)
Changing the transmission selector to Sport (S) changes a few things.
In Sport if you don't touch the flappy paddles then the auto shifter is still active and it is just like Drive but with lower gears.
In Sport if you touch the flappy paddles then the auto shifter stops being active and you are in Manual Mode. In Manual Mode the currently selected gear is displayed which is good and it would be better if it was always displayed in all modes and also change up and change down hints are displayed which are useful.
In Sport Manual mode if you overstress the engine then it will change for you but this is to be avoided.
In Sport Manual mode and when slowing to a stop then you don't need to change down manually and 1st gear will be selected before you stop.
Pulling away in Sport Manual mode can be difficult because you need to change up from 1st gear very quickly which must be the same as for a Manual but if you are used to an Auto then you might not have as much awareness of the gear change points. This is probably something to practice and improve.
In Sport Manual mode it can be difficult to gear change whilst manoeuvring because the steering wheel might be upside down and it is then difficult to find the right flappy paddle.
Sport Manual For Motorway
Sport Manual mode is great on the motorway or when going for the overtake. In Sport Manual mode you can apply power and the car accelerates but stays in the same gear so you can power past on engine power alone or even better drop 1 gear and really power past. Now you don't have to worry about the auto gearbox going down through the gears when you accelerate too hard.
All the above is achievable in any mode but it can require absolute precision for applying power and changing gear.
When you come off the motorway and have to come to a complete stop at the end of the slip road onto roundabout the transmission will select 1st gear and it is easy to forget that you are in Sport Manual mode which can result in trying to get a few hundred yards up the next dual carriageway in first gear. This is easily done if you have the music set so loud and that you can't hear the engine note.
None of the above modes involves the dashboard switches for Sport Plus or Track.
Handbrake in Drive (D)
In Drive and when you are approaching traffic lights and the light is red then use the footbrake to slow to a complete stop. If there is no traffic behind you then keep your foot on the footbrake so that approaching traffic can see that you are stationary. When there is traffic stopped behind you stay in Drive and engage the parking/handbrake and release the footbrake. The parking/handbrake will hold the car and brake lights won't be on and the driver behind will not be dazzled. To move off don't touch the footbrake and release the parking/handbrake.
Parking Sequence
In Drive and when you have reached your destination and it is time to stop driving then use the footbrake to bring the car to a complete stop. Move the selector to Park. Engage the parking/handbrake and release the footbrake. Turn off the engine. This sequence is best for getting started later and the transmission selector has no resistance for being moved out of Park.
Conclusion
It’s possible that some of the above shows that I’m not a skilful driver and if so then I don’t care.
The auto probably has some challenges but a manual will have different challenges. I’m more than pleased with my decision to get an auto and I love driving my auto.
All the above works for me and I'm still learning so if you think differently then I don't have a problem.
I have had my 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto for over 3 months and have put on about 3K miles.
Lazy Driver
This is my first owned auto but I have had normal power auto hire cars in the US.
I selected the 2015 Mustang Auto because I want my driving to be lazy driving and I don't want the frustration of constantly working the gears in heavy traffic.
It doesn't matter to me if the manual or auto is faster because the Mustang is already more than fast enough for me.
I don't intend to be throwing my Mustang around or drifting or doing anything stupid on public roads.
If the traffic in front is preventing me from going at my desired speed then I am more than happy to hang back and wait as it allows people more time to admire my Mustang and see the huge grin on my face.
If the traffic ahead moves out of the way then I have the V8 5.0 power to quickly take advantage and put them behind me but I don't need to prove anything and I'm not going to race or do anything stupid.
So for me the Auto is about calming my driving and not doing anything stupid. If Manual/Auto means something different to you then that does not cause me a problem.
Flappy paddle gear change is a bonus.
Road Test
I now have some experience of the 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto which may be of interest...
Drive (D)
With the Auto with the transmission in Drive (D) it will change up to 6th gear before you even get to 40 mph. This is not a problem.
In a manual and you are in 1st gear and you accidentally stamp on the accelerator pedal then things will happen quickly but you are limited to first gear. With the Auto with the transmission in Drive (D) if you accidentally stamp on the accelerator pedal then the car will take off and start shifting up through the gears and there are no limits. This is a problem (think of the case of wife driving me home from the pub).
In the Auto if you are waiting at the traffic lights or in the pub car park then you can't sit revving the engine to show off that Mustang exhaust roar unless you are stationary in Park or Neutral and you then can't engage Drive until the revs drop. So the good news is that Auto stops you looking like a p***k.
Roundabouts In The Wet
The 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto obviously does not have a clutch which means that under some situations it can very tricky to get power through the wheels and down onto the road. A good example is pulling out onto a roundabout with fast traffic bearing down and the road is wet and being a roundabout it is soon required to drive around a corner. In this situation in Drive the power has to be applied so very very gently to avoid wheel spin or having the rear end step out at even 5 mph. In a Manual you have the clutch to play with so you can more easily moderate the power through the wheels and down to the road and if you over rev for a moment then it doesn't matter. The twitchy rear end is greatly improved by taking off the Pirelli P Zeros and replacing with Michelin Pilot Super Sports MPSS.
Kickdown Panic
In the Auto and in Drive and if you go for the overtake and give too much accelerator pedal then the auto box instantly changes down a few gears and you just take off with the tacho flashing red. In a Manual you say in gear and you can accelerate on engine power alone which is much more controllable. In the auto you have to be more careful to stay in control.
In the Auto and in Drive and if you have done the overtake and you are now going fast and you cut back in and you need to lose some speed to say legal or if there is a bend in the road approaching and so you lift off but the Auto now starts changing up and you don’t slow down and you even speed up. There is a solution to this which is to stay in Drive and flappy paddle downshift a few gears to get engine braking.
Sport (S)
Changing the transmission selector to Sport (S) changes a few things.
In Sport if you don't touch the flappy paddles then the auto shifter is still active and it is just like Drive but with lower gears.
In Sport if you touch the flappy paddles then the auto shifter stops being active and you are in Manual Mode. In Manual Mode the currently selected gear is displayed which is good and it would be better if it was always displayed in all modes and also change up and change down hints are displayed which are useful.
In Sport Manual mode if you overstress the engine then it will change for you but this is to be avoided.
In Sport Manual mode and when slowing to a stop then you don't need to change down manually and 1st gear will be selected before you stop.
Pulling away in Sport Manual mode can be difficult because you need to change up from 1st gear very quickly which must be the same as for a Manual but if you are used to an Auto then you might not have as much awareness of the gear change points. This is probably something to practice and improve.
In Sport Manual mode it can be difficult to gear change whilst manoeuvring because the steering wheel might be upside down and it is then difficult to find the right flappy paddle.
Sport Manual For Motorway
Sport Manual mode is great on the motorway or when going for the overtake. In Sport Manual mode you can apply power and the car accelerates but stays in the same gear so you can power past on engine power alone or even better drop 1 gear and really power past. Now you don't have to worry about the auto gearbox going down through the gears when you accelerate too hard.
All the above is achievable in any mode but it can require absolute precision for applying power and changing gear.
When you come off the motorway and have to come to a complete stop at the end of the slip road onto roundabout the transmission will select 1st gear and it is easy to forget that you are in Sport Manual mode which can result in trying to get a few hundred yards up the next dual carriageway in first gear. This is easily done if you have the music set so loud and that you can't hear the engine note.
None of the above modes involves the dashboard switches for Sport Plus or Track.
Handbrake in Drive (D)
In Drive and when you are approaching traffic lights and the light is red then use the footbrake to slow to a complete stop. If there is no traffic behind you then keep your foot on the footbrake so that approaching traffic can see that you are stationary. When there is traffic stopped behind you stay in Drive and engage the parking/handbrake and release the footbrake. The parking/handbrake will hold the car and brake lights won't be on and the driver behind will not be dazzled. To move off don't touch the footbrake and release the parking/handbrake.
Parking Sequence
In Drive and when you have reached your destination and it is time to stop driving then use the footbrake to bring the car to a complete stop. Move the selector to Park. Engage the parking/handbrake and release the footbrake. Turn off the engine. This sequence is best for getting started later and the transmission selector has no resistance for being moved out of Park.
Conclusion
It’s possible that some of the above shows that I’m not a skilful driver and if so then I don’t care.
The auto probably has some challenges but a manual will have different challenges. I’m more than pleased with my decision to get an auto and I love driving my auto.
All the above works for me and I'm still learning so if you think differently then I don't have a problem.
Thank you for the very thorough report on your auto experiences.
I too will never drift/do donuts... ,and my circuit track days are over as being in my sixties my reaction time /awareness while being surrounded by other much younger and much more eager racers is sadly diminished!.I do though intend to participate for the first time in "run what ya brung" drag race days .My previous recently sold car was a Tvr Tuscan 4.0 and I found it "interesting " trying to keep it in a straight line under full acceleration on the road with one hand on the wheel and changing gear at the same time,scary I would say...So I have now gone the Mustang route and had read that for quarter mile racing Auto is generally best.I also have been looking at supercharging options so possibly auto is even more essential although others I am sure will disagree.
I too will never drift/do donuts... ,and my circuit track days are over as being in my sixties my reaction time /awareness while being surrounded by other much younger and much more eager racers is sadly diminished!.I do though intend to participate for the first time in "run what ya brung" drag race days .My previous recently sold car was a Tvr Tuscan 4.0 and I found it "interesting " trying to keep it in a straight line under full acceleration on the road with one hand on the wheel and changing gear at the same time,scary I would say...So I have now gone the Mustang route and had read that for quarter mile racing Auto is generally best.I also have been looking at supercharging options so possibly auto is even more essential although others I am sure will disagree.
Edited by twold on Saturday 9th April 08:26
[quote=Actual]I posted this in another forum in response to a manual/auto debate and I've updated a bit...
I have had my 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto for over 3 months and have put on about 3K miles.
Very interesting write-up
my mate has an auto GT and loves the S mode the rev matching, and the noise from the exhaust is so much louder, I have a GT on order but a LHD with adaptive cruise, be interesting to see how that helps on the motorway with the overtaking. as the car will drive the same speed as the car in-front and when you indicate to overtake the car speeds up on its own to the required speed to overtake, then when you move back into the lane, will slow down to the speed of the car infront
think will have sport mode on for the city driving, more fun and noise
I have had my 2015 Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Auto for over 3 months and have put on about 3K miles.
Very interesting write-up
my mate has an auto GT and loves the S mode the rev matching, and the noise from the exhaust is so much louder, I have a GT on order but a LHD with adaptive cruise, be interesting to see how that helps on the motorway with the overtaking. as the car will drive the same speed as the car in-front and when you indicate to overtake the car speeds up on its own to the required speed to overtake, then when you move back into the lane, will slow down to the speed of the car infront
think will have sport mode on for the city driving, more fun and noise
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