I've been driving the RS4 for the past six weeks, and I've found that driving in "S" mode has been easier than driving without it on. I am not sure why that is, but my shifting is smoother and easier. I also have felt the steering to be looser than in regular mode. Has anyone experienced the same thing, and is it okay to drive exclusively in S mode? If so, any literature on gas consumption or other usage costs on the rest of the car due to extensive use of the "S" mode? Thanks for any responses in advance.

 

That'a curious about the steering being EASIER in Superman mode, it sounds backwards. On my M5, the servotronic steering was designed to get firmer with Sport mode on. Also, the quickened throttle map of Superman mode theoretically should make clutch-accelerator coordination, such as launching and shifting, more difficult. I think the key is to use whatever mode you prefer, but stick with it. Lots of M5 guys poke around around all day with Sport mode off, then get in a race and switch it on, then can't figure out why the spin the tires and can't shift smoothly.

 

Does gas consumption increase if I remain in S mode? I'd much rather drive in S mode due to it being easier than regular mode, but I don't want to unnecessarily work the car or consume more gas than necessary. As for the steering, that's how it's been for me.

When you say recaro seats on your RS4, are you talking the standard ones or the racing ones?

 

I know that it sounds strange but while I can definitely hear an exhaust note difference when the "S" button is pushed, I really don't appreciate a throttle response difference despite what everyone else is saying.

 

I love the "superman" mode remark...Awesome elevens HAHAHAHA! Your RS WILL consume more gas in Superman mode LOLOL! I can almost watch the gas gauge drop while driving around town in S mode. That is the main reason why I do not use it as much. GAS prices are nuts right now as if you all did not notice. You CAN tell a diff in the exhaust when superman is engaged but I like hearing the engine more. The throttle response IS "jerky" in S mode but once you get the feel, its nice-if the S mode does it for ya, stick with it...shouldn't hurt the car at all. I prefer driving w/ out for that very reason (jerky at low speeds) but still use it enough to make a difference. First and second gear do seem to catch and transition better in S mode and that has been one of the strangest things about this car for me personally. First and second gear are tricky...I have driven true double clutch vehicles, all sorts of sports cars, 18 wheelers, tractors, all terrain vehicles etc etc etc and the RS's 1st and 2nd gear shifting has been some of the most complex to mend with, this baffles me? Anyone else experienced the same type of situation with theirs? I know that probably sounds rediculous but it is something I have noticed. Now that I have been driving mine for 8 1/2 weeks its FINALLY getting better but damn, that was a long aclimation period-sheez.

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Well my car is somewhere between the boat and my dealer right about now so my $0.02 is all hear-say.

Trev: One magazine reviewer likened the "S" indicator on the dash to the font style that Superman has on his chest, so that sealed the deal for the new terminology. The M5 was very tricky to shift as well. And in sport mode, too jerky too. For example, hit a slight road bump while gently accelerating in low gear, and the jolt would move your foot and the car would lurch.

fyrwlkr: I read somewhere that the seats for North America are also Recaros, just not the (uncomfortable) racing Recaros.

I believe the increased fuel consumption is mostly due to a more aggressive driving style when in Superman. There is a programmed "accelerator pump map" function to the fuel management computer though, so the more you move the throttle, the more "shots" of fuel richening you'll get.

 

i agree with trev that you need to be very 'exact' with the throttle when shifting normally in S mode. otherwise, it is a little jerky. the more you hold the revs and pound the throttle, the more it shifts smoother in S. but for day to day putting around, i've usually kept it on normal mode.

there is a noticable difference in exhaust note, even at idle, between normal and S. i've been known to engage S mode simply so i can make an audible point as i whip pass slow moving tourists in their impalas blocking the fast lane of the freeway

 

Speaking of exhaust...I read on the "stratmosphere" site that Milltec exhaust are now available for the RS4, resonated or non-resonated. However, by the end of summer, milltec is going to offer the same exhaust with working baffle-Oh Ya! This means I can still be steath w/out the S button and loud as S*** when I want to be...HAHA! If I were an RS4 owner, I would wait!

PS-Milltec is also testing downpipes and high flow cats to coincide with the exhaust and they should be avail by the end of summer or early fall. Not sure if I will do a full exhaust but will def think about upgrading the exhaust once I have $2500 to blow!

 

After driving manuals for 21+ years (yes I'm middle age), I find 1st & 2nd in this car to be the most difficult, other than a test drive in the new M. I spoke with a guy at work who has owned numerous Audi's & he said this was a problem with his A4. He told me it's usually only an issue when the car is "cold" & goes away after driving a while. I'm finding this true w/ my car. 1st & 2nd are very jerky (even clunky) when pulling out of my lane, but seem to be fine after 5-10 minutes of driving.

 

I have my car for about 1200 miles and have experieced similar first to second shift problems. The S mode seems to definitely shift smoother. This was not a problem in a previous A4 six speed or my Allroad six speed. I also do not feel much difference in the accelarator but the exhaust is much nicer to listen to. It seems to shift ok at low rpms or very high rpms but sticks in the middle range. I guess I will just keep experimenting.