Learning curve for the Transmission
Ok, you have my attention How do you: "The transmission is fantastic if you know how to use it properly....
Let me see if I can get this right:
Auto mode option I: Put it in D and let it do it's own thing. Simple enough and car runs great this way.
Auto mode option II : In D but you can use the paddle shifters at will without shifting out of D mode, which you could not do with the previous IS series tranny. Car will automatically shift back into full D mode if you don't paddle shift after a given time or reach 8th....
Auto mode option III : In D but you press the Sport mode option. Tranny changes shift points for more agressive, power pointed shifts.
Auto mode option IV : In D mode, with Sport mode option on and you paddle shift for tons of fun. Can go automatically back into D mode if you don't paddle shift for a given time....
Manual mode option I: First gear is like in auto mode but the rest are locked up and shift just like a manual, but with electronic controls so you don't over-rev or downshift out of specs...... TONS of fun both up and down through the gears.
Manual mode option II : Manual mode with Sport mode option on. Shifting is more agressive and tuned for more power. Don't look at your gas gauge during this mode
So now that we've defined the possible options, you can see how one must first learn all of the options, play with the options in different driving situations, before really knowing what the full range of possibilities are to match your particular driving style or preference to get the maximum from your driving experience IMHO......