Thanks, I saw the reference to that in the manual, but there's no info on the degree of performance loss. We are headed into Summer here so I'll leave it in full ECO mode for the moment to see if the AC performance seems less than I'm accustomed to in other vehicles.
ECO Mode bad for the vehicle?
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When it gets hot outside, I think you will notice the inside temp/humidity level is a bit high regardless of A/C being on when in ECO. To me it was apparent but not overly so. This was last summer - I still left on ECO most of time but would turn the thermostat down or, if extremely hot outside would cycle to NORMAL drive mode.
taken straight from AI.
No, in a modern turbo engine, the activation of the turbocharger is not solely tied to engine load. While engine load is a primary factor, modern turbo systems also incorporate other factors like engine speed (RPM) and even potentially driver input or specific driving modes.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Engine Load:
This is a key factor. As engine load increases (meaning the engine is working harder, like during acceleration or climbing a hill), more exhaust gas is produced. This increased exhaust flow spins the turbine faster, which in turn spins the compressor and increases boost pressure.
- Engine Speed (RPM):
Even at low engine loads, the turbocharger can become active at higher RPMs. As the engine spins faster, the exhaust flow increases, and the turbocharger can spool up and provide boost even at lower load levels.
- Other factors:
Some modern systems use variable geometry turbochargers (VNTs) or electronic controls. VNTs use adjustable vanes to optimize exhaust flow, enhancing low-end torque and responsiveness across different RPMs and loads. Electronic controls allow for more precise management of boost, potentially taking into account driver input and different driving modes.
- Boost Threshold:
A turbocharger needs a certain amount of exhaust flow to start building boost. This is known as the boost threshold. It's influenced by engine load and RPM, but can also be affected by the design of the turbocharger itself.
- Actuator:
A turbo actuator regulates the wastegate, which controls the flow of exhaust gases around the turbine wheel. The actuator can be controlled by vacuum or electronic signals, further influencing when the turbocharger is activated.
I have driven in ECO mode exclusively for almost a year. My original change was to reduce throttle sensitivity, which I found to be an annoyance in NORMAL and SPORT modes. Excessive throttle sensitivity can disturb the balance of the car, especially when cornering. ECO mode does a good job of reducing this problem.
ECO mode causes the car to shut down the engine frequently when there is minimal demand, such as when traveling on a downhill section of road. There is little question that this feature increases the number of start/stop cycles substantially. Nonetheless, when full power is demanded the response of the hybrid system is immediate and impressive. The LC rockets up a steep, rough gravel road that I travel frequently to access our weekend cabin.
With respect to AC, it has worked ok for us. It has only been necessary to increase the fan speed or lower the temperature setting. Nothing seems unusual about this to me.
ECO mode causes the car to shut down the engine frequently when there is minimal demand, such as when traveling on a downhill section of road. There is little question that this feature increases the number of start/stop cycles substantially. Nonetheless, when full power is demanded the response of the hybrid system is immediate and impressive. The LC rockets up a steep, rough gravel road that I travel frequently to access our weekend cabin.
With respect to AC, it has worked ok for us. It has only been necessary to increase the fan speed or lower the temperature setting. Nothing seems unusual about this to me.
