Anyone not using Sport mode in R-Tronic?

[the_buch]

As the title asks - is there anyone out there with an R-Tronic transmission who is not using the Sport setting? As a subset to this question, for those that understand how the 'bits' work, would 'Normal' mode be easier on the system's components over time (i.e., not slamming through the gears and asking the syncros to work faster) or tougher (because of factors like more clutch slippage factored into the shifts)?

[exhilR8]

I only use the sport setting for the track or when I'm demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities. To me, one of the greatest things about this car is its dual personality as both very civilized and potentially extremely uncivilized. It will never feel quite as smooth as say, a Bentley Continental GT, but in comfort mode it comes close, and it steers way better.

As far as the "bits" go, I have no idea, other than the known problem of carbon sludge buildup on the valves if the revs are always too low, because it takes high temperatures to burn them up and blow them out.

[SebringSilver]

The problem for me is I'm so used to driving the car in Sport mode that on those rare occasions where I forget to press the Sport button after starting the car up, it feels decidedly sluggish and lethargic, even though it probably isn't.

I'm not really sure why you can keep the Magnetic Ride in its Sport setting even when the car has been shut down, but not the transmission's Sport setting.

[harrison]

+ ONE Sebring.

[ignomini]

Maybe it's legal. The Mini's throttle is undriveable in normal mode, but you have to hit the sport button every time you start the car.

[AnOutsider]

I keep mine normal and hit sport when I want to really get it going. Also helps with not getting "used" to sport mode and feeling like the car is boring if I always have a way to take it up a notch

[Jeff]

I always run in sport mode because, to me, it feels as if the shifts are faster, which I prefer.

I rarely run with the sport shock mode though because the streets around me are a mess.

[KfabR8]

Three things that Audi needs to make stay in the last mode selected:
Transmission settings
Random play mode
Preset radio stations display.

[ignomini]

+1 especially on the random play settings. Is that a German thing? My Mini has the same problem.

[Monkey boy UK]

Driving on UK roads you would be shell shocked driving in sport mode ( really poor bumpy roads ) & i only use it on track days & even then if i remember to press the button!, i am not sure what difference it makes on lap times but my dealer recons its kinder on the tyres to not engage sport mode, not sure if this is true or not.