I used the shift paddles but...
02-23-09, 10:05 AM
#16
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I took delivery of my smoky granite mica IS F four days ago. My observations for street or track:
When you brake for a corner (in "F"/Sport/VSC_off), if the revs are not high it may downshift on its own which is confusing if I am also using the paddles to downshift. I could be counting shifts, 3 up exiting the corner, 3 down entering the corner. Unless the revs are high, it could add a downshift of its own putting me into the wrong gear for the corner. This is where I wish the automatic downshifting could be disabled.
If the revs are high enough to prevent the automatic downshifts, the binders are competing with the engine for control over the stopping rate.
This is less of a flaw on the track but there still isn't the same control as if the system included a clutch.
Also upshifts under power are very quick but downshifts are much slower. If I downshift before the corner but it doesn't execute until I'm mid-corner...that's alarming.
At this point I could hustle a 6-spd manual with much more confidence over unknown twisty roads.
I do like the dual personality though, just putting it in "D", non-sport feels very Lexus-like and is pleasingly hushed. The "F" mode is great for drag racing.
When you brake for a corner (in "F"/Sport/VSC_off), if the revs are not high it may downshift on its own which is confusing if I am also using the paddles to downshift. I could be counting shifts, 3 up exiting the corner, 3 down entering the corner. Unless the revs are high, it could add a downshift of its own putting me into the wrong gear for the corner. This is where I wish the automatic downshifting could be disabled.
If the revs are high enough to prevent the automatic downshifts, the binders are competing with the engine for control over the stopping rate.
This is less of a flaw on the track but there still isn't the same control as if the system included a clutch.
Also upshifts under power are very quick but downshifts are much slower. If I downshift before the corner but it doesn't execute until I'm mid-corner...that's alarming.
At this point I could hustle a 6-spd manual with much more confidence over unknown twisty roads.
I do like the dual personality though, just putting it in "D", non-sport feels very Lexus-like and is pleasingly hushed. The "F" mode is great for drag racing.
02-23-09, 11:22 AM
#17
The car downshifts in manual so you don't stall, it's something standard even on dual-clutch transmitions. This happens only when revs are lower than idle.
Upshift is accomplished in 0.1s, downshift is in 0.3s, again this is something that was advertised before the car was released last year. The IS-F tranny is one of the fastest in the market, beaten by a couple of cars like the F430 (Scuderia ediction) and 599 Fiorano. I believe the new BMW DCT is close to the IS-F when used in its highest/fastest setting.
You'll get used to this tranny. Take the twistiest roads for instance and you'll see that rally cars don't use manual transmissions anymore, they use sequentials like F1 and the IS-F.
Upshift is accomplished in 0.1s, downshift is in 0.3s, again this is something that was advertised before the car was released last year. The IS-F tranny is one of the fastest in the market, beaten by a couple of cars like the F430 (Scuderia ediction) and 599 Fiorano. I believe the new BMW DCT is close to the IS-F when used in its highest/fastest setting.
You'll get used to this tranny. Take the twistiest roads for instance and you'll see that rally cars don't use manual transmissions anymore, they use sequentials like F1 and the IS-F.
02-23-09, 01:00 PM
#18
sports mode and paddle shifters make huge difference in terms of performance and driving enjoyment whether it's on track or street. i say the difference in perception is due to driving style and how much one wants to be involved in the mechanical aspect of car driving. i noticed people who prefers manual transmission use paddles a lot more than drivers who are more comfortable driving auto tranny. just my 2 cents.
02-23-09, 03:24 PM
#19
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The car downshifts in manual so you don't stall, it's something standard even on dual-clutch transmitions. This happens only when revs are lower than idle.
Upshift is accomplished in 0.1s, downshift is in 0.3s, again this is something that was advertised before the car was released last year. The IS-F tranny is one of the fastest in the market, beaten by a couple of cars like the F430 (Scuderia ediction) and 599 Fiorano. I believe the new BMW DCT is close to the IS-F when used in its highest/fastest setting.
You'll get used to this tranny. Take the twistiest roads for instance and you'll see that rally cars don't use manual transmissions anymore, they use sequentials like F1 and the IS-F.
Upshift is accomplished in 0.1s, downshift is in 0.3s, again this is something that was advertised before the car was released last year. The IS-F tranny is one of the fastest in the market, beaten by a couple of cars like the F430 (Scuderia ediction) and 599 Fiorano. I believe the new BMW DCT is close to the IS-F when used in its highest/fastest setting.
You'll get used to this tranny. Take the twistiest roads for instance and you'll see that rally cars don't use manual transmissions anymore, they use sequentials like F1 and the IS-F.
In the sweeping approaches of the twisties, I'm sure I will adapt, but if you can imagine a different scenario, running fast in 7th or 8th on a rural straight, brake late as you approach the 4 way intersection, throw it hard into the 2nd gear corner and gas it hard coming out without looping it. If you didn't downshift at all, would it be in the right gear for the corner? Or if you did downshift with the paddles, would you risk dropping it down into 1st and looping it because it downshifted one gear more of its own accord? Or wheel-hopping from furiously working the paddle from 7th to 2nd? I saw this once already where the downshift I initiated before the corner was delayed until I was already into the corner, which could have made me ripe for a spin.
02-23-09, 04:57 PM
#20
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sports mode and paddle shifters make huge difference in terms of performance and driving enjoyment whether it's on track or street. i say the difference in perception is due to driving style and how much one wants to be involved in the mechanical aspect of car driving. i noticed people who prefers manual transmission use paddles a lot more than drivers who are more comfortable driving auto tranny. just my 2 cents.
02-23-09, 07:43 PM
#21
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It seems to have the automatic downshifting fairly well matched for the appropriate drive out of the corner. The behavior seems trustworthy, but the power of this car needs to be respected. If one were to inadvertently be using the paddles in "D", then romp the throttle mid corner forgetting it can downshift in that mode, it could send him into the weeds.
After a good while of focused concentration in the manual shifting mode, I refueled and was ready to head for home. That's where it was sure nice to have that other dimension to this car, a luxury touring sedan with a smooth shifting 8 spd automatic and relaxing Lexus creature comforts.
Over the years I've spent some time behind the wheels of the LS400, LS430 and LS460. The IS F has a ride quality and feel to not let you forget that it's a Lexus too.
After a good while of focused concentration in the manual shifting mode, I refueled and was ready to head for home. That's where it was sure nice to have that other dimension to this car, a luxury touring sedan with a smooth shifting 8 spd automatic and relaxing Lexus creature comforts.
Over the years I've spent some time behind the wheels of the LS400, LS430 and LS460. The IS F has a ride quality and feel to not let you forget that it's a Lexus too.
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