Bushum

The paddles on the 2IS are wheel mounted instead of column mounted. Not a big deal because the entire implementation is terrible and I don't use them. I am looking at trading for a 3IS with and 8 speed in the future and I'm curious if they fixed this.

corradoMR2

They're wheel mounted. Funny thing is I never used them in the 2IS, and now that's all I use especially when slowing down/engine braking to save on brake dust

azmojo

Good idea. Use your multi-thousand dollar engine rather than your few hundred dollar easily-replaceable (and mean-to-be-replaced) brake pads to slow down...

CtSFox

Using the engine to decelerate does no harm. In fact, this process can help seat the piston rings during the break in period.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Infiniti Q50 is column mounted.

Bushum

Well that's disappointing that they did not get this right, again.

As for the Q50, It's just too dull looking for my taste but kudos for getting the paddles right

Fizzboy7

Downshifting hurting the engine is an 80's and 90's problem and mentality. You need not worry today. Save your brakes and brakedust and use the paddles (even though they are delayed).

DexRox512

iTrader: (5)

You realize your engine actually downshifts automatically to brake itself right? Obviously it's not as aggressive or noticeable when it does it on it's own...but it's still doing it.

corradoMR2

Correct guys.

And when I downshift it's at moderate to low speeds. I typically don't hit more than 3500-3800 rpm on the downshift, slow the car down to about 2000, then downshift again. I find this range between 2000 - 3800 rpm provides the best speed deceleration/noise level combo.

praetor

I find them easier to use when in a turn when the paddles are wheel mounted instead of column mounted.

Zoli007

Do they actually listen to inputs or are they still as utterly useless as they were on the previous IS models?

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

The same 8-speed transmissions from ISF. It's no longer gear holder like it was on 2IS.

ddb

The Wheel Mounted Paddles is actually a better place for a regular street car than on the column. Race cars should have it always on the column as the steering wheel will barely see more than 180 degree rotation.

Driving on the streets, where you have to turn your steering wheel A LOT, having the paddles fixed to the column could actually be dangerous in some cases depending of how you drive.

About the RPM and the transmission, the 8-speed transmission will save you gas as it keeps the shifting points very low on regular and ECO mode. For Sport Mode (and Sport+) it moves the shifting point higher to take advantage of more torque at higher RPM. Compared to the 6-speed, it will save you gas but at some power expense. That sweet power "kick" the 2nd Gen IS had is gone on the 3rd Gen with the 8-speed transmission. Only in Manual Mode you will be able to get somehow the same "kick" as long you know the good RPM range for maximum torque.

JGard18

I much prefer to have the flappy-paddles on the wheel than on the column. Since my hands move with the wheel, it's always easy to find a lever to shift with.

Sure, if I've gone to full lock I may lose track of which side is which, but if you're shifting while at full lock, you're doing it wrong.