downshifting (speed boost)

I'm not sure what you mean. Which technique are you talking about?

Well that answers whether you guys use it ool

But the short version is some rwd cars get a boost in speed if you slightly tap R1 (RB) then.back onto the throttle.. Its usually in 2nd or 3rd gear.

The theory behind it is it causes a downshift in the automatic transmission so you hit high revs in the lower gear and it boosts speed.

The thread i read had a YT video where some guy had just discovered it (its been around since launch) and demoblnstrated by using a banshee against a zentorno, leaving it for dead in a straight line drag race at the airport

Its pretty pointless on races - I mean it might be good on hairpins but thats it.

You know now that you explained it I think I have actually used this before and not known it. There is a time when this is useful. Some of you may remember a time trial we did on a Vinewood track made by Rockstar that was half street and half dirt. The track is no longer in game. We did the run on motorcycles and I was considerably faster that everyone else. My best times came when I figured out that the bike was bogging down in the transmission when doing the uphill portion in the dirt. If your doing it at the right time I don't believe the brake is even needed because I was successful in getting it to downshift just by momentarily releasing and reapplying the gas. The lower gear gave more torque and more acceleration up the hill. I have also noticed it while running up the back straight in some vehicles on Dipping in.

My opinion is that it may be useful in certain instances where more torque is needed such as leaving a corner at the bottom end of a gear or climbing a hill but gunning it down a straight it isn't likely to give any advantage over the standard shift timing.

Well .. I must admit.. at times I really don't want to add my tid bits. I've learned a few things / tips here. (probably get it wrong..lol)But I've always liked the sound of 'downshifiting'.. and I do it for the sound and fun of it. But hardly any real out come with a clear advantage. But if I were to defend it.. I'd say.. where most of you might use the brakes.. / gas combo.. I like the feel of the car 'hugging the turn'.. instead of sliding out.. you hug and are ready for the exit.
The technique I use is more of letting off the throttle.. instead of braking.. I tap the brakes.. downshifting. If I see the turn is sharper.. or I am going to fast.. I add additional taps of the brakes. I just like the sound and the hugging of the road.
Now, let me just around here.. because to me.. in my opinion.. it ties in greatly with a earlier discussion about 'What makes a Good Race' ?
In short I complained about not enough 'straight of ways' to allow for passing.. and 'narrow streets' .. Cuz.. said.. the 'real passing' in a race is in the 'approach' to the up coming curve.. and there is where the opportunity lies within in passing.
Well Cuz was right.. Not only in that .. but Luap went into great detail of 'How to approach and execute the turn'
Using those great ideas.. please feel free to read the topic.. but I use that in my 'down-shifting' and it has greatly helped.. allowing me to develope a sense of 'go for it' mentality in believing it works. Instead of sliding.. it hugs.. and you're gone. Thanks Cuz and Luap~!
Tapping of the brakes.. one time.. let it unwind and slowly wind down... tapping more if you need a lower gear.. but its in the execution of the turn and its approach. Just one persons opinion.. thought I'd share.~

  I have two white cares.  One is an 'Alpha' something in which I don't believe I used.  I tried something different... in which I had seen others pull away from me.  THAT car was a Maccaro.. with all the carbon trimming one could buy... except the Wheel upgrade.  I like to run em without up-graded rims and without an upgraded suspension. 
  THAT car really isn't a 'winding high' sound .. but it sure does seem to have some 'bottom end' torque...and does seem to start to pull away at times.
  I do like the Enity or the Cheetah for high winding sounds..and a bottom end of 'Baa Waaa ah aaah!' ...  I race for the sound and downshifting.  If there is a downshift.. instead of a 'bogging down' sound.. and it runs quicker ... I'm happy.

I'm guessing this is what you're on about, except you can use 'A' (xbox) or 'X' (ps) which I find does the handbrake bit easier instead of the bumper button

Tried it today with the comet in Formula Rum, just heard the engine rev really quickly, didnt notice any significant speed boost