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Optimal Driving for Engine/MPG/Performance

4 messages,  Last post on Oct 01, 2009 at 11:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? Infiniti G37, Sedan

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#1 of 4 Optimal Driving for Engine/MPG/Performance by imjessie

Oct 01, 2009 (8:44 am)

My new g37 is my first vehicle with automatic AND a manual shift mode. Coming from a totally manual line of cars before, i enjoy this.
 
I'm not really sure when it is optimal to use the DS mode. I've been using it when traveling freeways for the boost in acceleration/handling or sometimes i'll switch over and go into 7th gear when cruising on the freeway then switch over to automatic during traffic or street use. I also downshift into turns for the rev matching to kick in.
 
1. What are the optimal ways you guys use the different modes for good mpg and performance?
 
2. Does it hurt the engine/transmission to switch over to DS and drive frequently?

#2 of 4 Re: Optimal Driving for Engine/MPG/Performance [imjessie] by snagiel

Oct 01, 2009 (9:49 am)

Replying to: imjessie (Oct 01, 2009 8:44 am)
What do you mean by "optimal"? There is an inverse relationship between (high) performance and (high) fuel economy. Choose one. I've averaged about 20mpg on my G37xS over the past 2k miles, in mixed driving (albeit often 'spirited').
 
However, DS (automatic) mode is all about performance--it holds gears much longer and is therefore a lot more entertaining, but it doesn't come for free. I don't think you're likely to save gas shifting the gears yourself, unless you're in variable-speed traffic and are able to hold at a higher gear longer.
 
And, no, I don't think switching between DS and D hurts anything--it's just a different software mode on the transmission.

#3 of 4 Re: Optimal Driving for Engine/MPG/Performance [snagiel] by imjessie

Oct 01, 2009 (10:21 am)

Replying to: snagiel (Oct 01, 2009 9:49 am)
Thanks for the info. What i meant by "optimal" really was a loaded question, more curious on how others are driving this car. I've averaged about the same mpg as well. In what conditions do you use the downshifting and rev matching?

#4 of 4 Re: Optimal Driving for Engine/MPG/Performance [imjessie] by snagiel

Oct 01, 2009 (11:32 am)

Replying to: imjessie (Oct 01, 2009 10:21 am)
First, I'm somewhat amused that Infiniti markets "rev matching" as a feature on its automatic. I mean, all automatics do this as far as I can tell. (It's much more of a boon on the Z 6-speed manual.)
 
I paddle-shift most frequently when driving at moderate-to-high speed, especially when traffic is lighter and the roads are varying. Basically, when it's fun to do so.
 
I've also found that, when slowing down, it's better to just let the automatic downshift for you, since if you wait until the engine speeds come down below 2k rpm, it's quite possible you downshift right before (or after) the tranny decides to downshift, resulting in a 2-speed downshift (this has happened several times to me).

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