6 cogs vs. 8 cogs.
I think the problem here might actually be the engine. The 8 speed is supposed to keep the rev low most of the time in order to achieve better mpg. But unlike turbo engine, our NA 3.5 just doesn't have enough low end torque to speed up while cruising which makes the gear searching become even more difficult.
Last edited by louisp_p; Jul 22, 2014 at 01:02 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 15
From: Texas
I find it interesting that in the 3IS threads, the 8 speed is generally regarded as being the better transmission, with the 6 speed being a compromise, but it appears to be the opposite in the GS forum. Not sure if it comes down to different programming (are they different?) or just different demographics and such, but nonetheless I find it intriguing.
I think a 7 speed would be perfect, get the revs down below 2k for highway cruising to save gas. Then again the 6th gear is pretty tall in the 6AT and mild inclines here will cause my F Sport to lose 3-5 mph on cruise control in 6th at 75-80mph. Car is just plain lazy on cruise, wish it would hold speed perfectly like my old G35 with a 5AT.
i use manual mode all the time when im driving my isf and have been using manual mode everytime for the last 4 years
i really do not understand why some people are complaning about the 8speed
the 8 speed is much more fun to drive in manual mode as the ratios are shorter in each gears
the 8 speed gearbox out of the 2014 has identical gear ratios to the ISF
as an ISF owner for the last 4 years and having 2 GS350's atm
6 speed and a 8 speed and 8 speed is an improvement over the 6 speed in everyway
the 8 speed is smoother on shifting in auto and even in manual
in auto mode the 8 speed does what its designed to do
be lazy and provide slow smooth shifts
if you want abit more response and faster shift response use the sports dial and use the manual shift functions
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,822
Likes: 1,065
From: California
I'm not talking about manual mode, this 8-speed shifts fine in manual mode. But I don't want to always drive in manual mode. If I want manual I'll buy a real manual car.
In auto, from a stop this car upshifts fine, smooth and fast. It's just that it won't downshift when u floor the pedal when moving. Yes u can downshift manually with the paddle shifter but it'll be much quicker if the car can do it by itself. Sometimes it does downshift but not always.
The 6-speed doesn't have this problem.
In auto, from a stop this car upshifts fine, smooth and fast. It's just that it won't downshift when u floor the pedal when moving. Yes u can downshift manually with the paddle shifter but it'll be much quicker if the car can do it by itself. Sometimes it does downshift but not always.
The 6-speed doesn't have this problem.
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
I find it interesting that in the 3IS threads, the 8 speed is generally regarded as being the better transmission, with the 6 speed being a compromise, but it appears to be the opposite in the GS forum. Not sure if it comes down to different programming (are they different?) or just different demographics and such, but nonetheless I find it intriguing.
I'm not talking about manual mode, this 8-speed shifts fine in manual mode. But I don't want to always drive in manual mode. If I want manual I'll buy a real manual car.
In auto, from a stop this car upshifts fine, smooth and fast. It's just that it won't downshift when u floor the pedal when moving. Yes u can downshift manually with the paddle shifter but it'll be much quicker if the car can do it by itself. Sometimes it does downshift but not always.
The 6-speed doesn't have this problem.
In auto, from a stop this car upshifts fine, smooth and fast. It's just that it won't downshift when u floor the pedal when moving. Yes u can downshift manually with the paddle shifter but it'll be much quicker if the car can do it by itself. Sometimes it does downshift but not always.
The 6-speed doesn't have this problem.
use the sports dial feature for a better repsonse
no car is perfect
and yes the 6 speed does that too
like all lexus autos
its not as sharp going into lower gears when u WOT in auto mode
Might be worth a try
The cars ecu does learn from your driving habbits
I think the best way would be the disconnect the battery and rest the ecu and give it a nice good run
My car responds nice as I rev my car often
In the gs im in auto mode most of the time
The cars ecu does learn from your driving habbits
I think the best way would be the disconnect the battery and rest the ecu and give it a nice good run
My car responds nice as I rev my car often
In the gs im in auto mode most of the time
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I doubt anyone who doesn't have some knowledge of the engineering that went into both tranny's could give a reliable answer to that. Typically more shifts = more wear and tear, and the 8 speed certainly shifts more. That said, those shifts are spread over 8 ratios vs 6, so who knows. I doubt either would last 400k without having to rebuild the tranny once personally.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,822
Likes: 1,065
From: California
But I can tell this car really likes to be driven hard, it pulls hard from 60 and 70+ and wanted to keep going. All in Auto and Normal mode. I've forgotten how powerful this car is cause I'm so used to driving my parents around in boat-mode, and maybe this is the reason why the ECU fell asleep.
Car feels really alive when driven hard and when it shifts right.
