MPG - Standard vs PWR

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Mar 23, 2009 | 10:28 AM

#16

arnieosp

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From: TX

Went through 3 tanks on PWR. The MPG improved slightly but noticably, city went from 17.5 to 19 and highway from 23 to 25.5. Plus I like the way the AT downshifts when you brake. I played with it and noticed that if you just brake lightly, it will not downshift, but if you step on the brake pedal, the AT reacts pretty quick.

So, I'll keep the switch on PWR now. Any reason why I shouldn't?

Mar 23, 2009 | 11:34 AM

#17

The G Man

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From: MA

Are you sure its not due to the summer gas?

Mar 23, 2009 | 12:23 PM

#18

arnieosp

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From: TX

No. In Oregon 10% ethanol is mandated year-around.

Mar 23, 2009 | 01:11 PM

#19

The G Man

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From: MA

There must be some other varible you havent accounted for, maybe temp or style of driving. Power mode will use more gas because it has a higher shift point.

Mar 23, 2009 | 05:20 PM

#20

arnieosp

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From: TX

May be, but i haven't noticed any other changes. The outside temperature stayed about the same, I drive the same routes, in the same manner. I did not believe it when I read about it, that's why I decided to give it a shot. And again, I went through 3 tanks, all from my usual gas station. I did not change anything, other then the switch.

Try it yourself and see what happens.

Mar 24, 2009 | 07:03 PM

#21

Johnnyz4

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From: CA

how about when on sport mode? how many miles per gallon do you lose?

Mar 24, 2009 | 07:07 PM

#22

arnieosp

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From: TX

I don't think I have a sport mode, only snow, pwr and standard

Mar 24, 2009 | 07:22 PM

#23

chopperpl

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From: nj

I get about 21-22 in standard mode, and 23-25 hybrid power with sport ON or OFF. Highway is about 33-35 when doing 65-85 on hybrid power, but don't know in standard mode...

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Mar 24, 2009 | 07:53 PM

#24

arnieosp

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From: TX

Hybrid? We are talking apples and oranges.

Mar 24, 2009 | 10:31 PM

#25

vladbph

Pole Position

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From: BC

Dynamics of acceleration is a factor and it has its impact on gas consumption. Slower acceleration doesnt always mean better gas milage.

Mar 24, 2009 | 11:39 PM

#26

Johnnyz4

Driver

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From: CA

sport mode is only for gs 430, i don't notice a huge difference when i use it. the car supposely is lower and better traction? but i dunno if that would save gas?

Mar 25, 2009 | 05:17 AM

#27

The G Man

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From: MA

Lol, this thread has taken a left turn off the wrong exit. The OP has a GS350 and he said he gets better MPG when the transmisssion is in power mode.

Mar 25, 2009 | 06:00 AM

#28

chopperpl

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: nj

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnieosp

Hybrid? We are talking apples and oranges.

Initial post doesn't say which model (except signature), so I guess this thread can be shared along all 3g models...
AWD? We are talking apples and oranges...

Last edited by chopperpl; Mar 25, 2009 at 06:03 AM.

Mar 25, 2009 | 06:09 AM

#29

MichaelPea

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: PA

I'm in Western PA and I get 16-18 in town and about 25-27 on the highway. Keep in mind, the roads here aren't great and you go up and down constantly. At this time, we're not running reformulated gas since it's still winter and RFG gas isn't required until June when I expect my mileage will drop. The GS is an exquisitely complex engine control system and while my instinct is to agree that switching to PWR mode would tend to reduce mileage as the shift points are moved higher, it could be that the engine's control system (VVT, etc.) are maintaining better tuning for a demanding romp and delivering slightly better mileage since the demanding romp really ins't happening. Just my 2 cents.