Ford F-150 performance enhanced by new sport mode - durhamregion.com
Ford engineers have blended the sport mode feature borrowed from the all-new Mustang into the new F-150 pickup. Since the all-new 2015 Mustang and F-150 were developed on a similar time line and share certain automatic transmission technology, powertrain engineers often drove both vehicles on the same trips used for testing. Pushing the tow/haul mode button twice activates the Sport mode on F-150. An amber S appears in the lower-right portion of the tachometer indicating sport mode is active. Instead of shifting gears up and down for peak efficiency, the transmission holds a specific gear longer to make driving more responsive and spirited. When combined with the transmission changes, the result is an on-demand performance feel similar to what an aftermarket modification might add to the truck, but with the benefit of maintaining the Ford vehicle warranty. An advanced feature of F-150’s six-speed automatic transmission is its ability to match engine rpm as it downshifts in slowing for a corner. Sport mode is similar to F-150’s tow/haul mode, which also changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range while driving over rolling terrain for an improved towing experience. Source: www.durhamregion.com
