yep!!! i dont know what the other 2 modes do.. and i still average just about 20.5 mpg.. 
ECT Power
ECT Power
Last week I used the ECT button for the first time in my Lexus life. I didn't think it would make any difference....until I read an article in an older L&E Mag where the writer said it made a difference when he tested the car. So I tried it. It does make a difference. The tranny shifts are more of a performance mode. I couldn't believe it. On the bad side, all the performace driving I have been doing has caused me to burn more gas and I've curbed my right rear wheel twice. Guess I'd better slow down. I have a couple questions though.
Is it okay to leave it on all the time?
Is it my imagination but is the suspension stiffer with it on?
Is it okay to leave it on all the time?
Is it my imagination but is the suspension stiffer with it on?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 4
From: CA
just your imagination, only people with AVS will have its suspension tighten up, not sure about Lexus but I drove my bmw 5 years with a similar sports mode on 24/7, never had any problem
but yes, it just burns more gas as it's so much easier to open her up
and maybe a slightly more stress on the engine as it's constantly at higher RPM than normal
but yes, it just burns more gas as it's so much easier to open her up
and maybe a slightly more stress on the engine as it's constantly at higher RPM than normal
Good to know it's okay to leave it on, I'm having too much fun to turn it off. The car finally feels like it has a sporting heart. Wish I knew about this sooner.
Too bad I ruined one of my wheels, though.
Too bad I ruined one of my wheels, though.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I mostly cruise around in normal mode, but the car really wakes up in power mode.
Just as an observation, never measured it in any meaningful way, the car seems to get better mileage in hilly areas, especially on long steep hills, in power mode as opposed to normal.
Just as an observation, never measured it in any meaningful way, the car seems to get better mileage in hilly areas, especially on long steep hills, in power mode as opposed to normal.
just your imagination, only people with AVS will have its suspension tighten up, not sure about Lexus but I drove my bmw 5 years with a similar sports mode on 24/7, never had any problem
but yes, it just burns more gas as it's so much easier to open her up and maybe a slightly more stress on the engine as it's constantly at higher RPM than normal
but yes, it just burns more gas as it's so much easier to open her up
and maybe a slightly more stress on the engine as it's constantly at higher RPM than normal
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 4
From: CA
yea that's what I meant, we all know what the ECT does just lets you hold/delay the shift a little longer hence my mentioning of "higher rpm"
*btw, nice to see you back Henry, seems like you were MIA for a while
just lets you hold/delay the shift a little longer hence my mentioning of "higher rpm"*btw, nice to see you back Henry, seems like you were MIA for a while
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,882
Likes: 603
From: USA
But of course. The shift pattern from ECT SPORT to ECT NORM is huge. ECT PWR definitely allows the GS to shine. In NORM mode, it's as docile and smooth as a Toyota Corolla.
No. It's all in your imagination. If you did have AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension), you would notice a slight difference between Sport and Normal mode.
Is it my imagination but is the suspension stiffer with it on?
If you did have AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension), you would notice a slight difference between Sport and Normal mode.
hope things get better
Went for a ride with wifey in her GS last nite. Put on the ECT for her. SHe loved it....for a while. Then she saw the gas needle move and shut it off.
I still think the suspension has stiffened a little. Let me stay in my imaginary world. I'm luvin it!