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My 2000 TL's sport shift, while no SMG, functioned better. It did not just follow the normal auto tranny shift sequence. So it can't just be because the technology has evolved since the 2IS was introduced.
It can, from a Lexus perspective.
They focus, technology-wise, on other things.
The TL also played audio DVDs, even without nav, since before the 2IS existed. The 2IS still can't do it without nav AND ML.
For that matter, the nav that is on the 2IS is a couple generations behind most other offerings.
The engine is awfully good though (and consistently made Wards 10 best engines list). And the TCU is pretty good about controlling the transmission all on its own (almost every review of the 2IS when it came out praised how good the auto was on its own and many mentioned you might hardly ever bother with S mode as a result)
So what's the point of "S" mode? I guess if you want to shift with the **** you'd need to be in "S" mode.
The difference between the "D" mode and "S" mode in the 09's are that in "D" mode, you are able to increase or decrease the gear limiter one gear at a time in relation to the current gear you are on. When you come to a complete stop, the system defaults back into the regular drive mode with the 6th gear limiter. When you put your car in "S" mode, it always defaults to the 4th gear limiter no matter what gear you are on at. However the gear limiter that you set will stay even when you come to a complete stop.
Hope this helps clear things up with the difference between "D" and "S" mode.
