dw8787

I think it was said in an earlier post but this is the Lexus explanation. What isn't mentioned here is that the transmission shifts in .10 seconds. I don't think anyone is going to shift the traditional manual that fast.

"Traditional automatics have used the lockup clutch to make them more efficient by creating a direct power path between the engine and transmission. This is normally done in the upper gears and in low load operations to preserve smoothness while gaining fuel economy.

The IS F turns this idea on its head by employing lockup in all gears except first when in manual mode. This eliminates any power loss from torque converter from 2nd through 8th gear while preserving desirable torque multiplication in first gear for stunning launch acceleration. The result is a direct feel unlike any other automatic, and right now response to the throttle."

The Lexus hype didn't really come from Lexus. There have been numerous comments made in regards to this transmission in many different tests. If the 335i operates exactly the same way it just hasn't been pointed out that the shifting is as impressive as what has been experienced in the ISF. I am not knocking the 335i, so don't read into it that way. I'm just saying it apparently didn't stand out, like them mentioning the impressive pwr for example, in the 335i when tested by various mags and such.