I came from a 2IS, and there was a switch toggle for Power mode, Normal Mode, and Snow mode.
When you flip the switch, it stays in that position and the driving mode will be defaulted to that mode when you start the car.

for the 3IS, the switch has become the round switch in the center console.
I was wondering if there's anyone to always start the car on sport mode?

thanks!

 

Toggle the switch to sport mode before you turn the car off and when you turn it back on it should be in sport mode.

 

There is no way to override it. The car will always start in ECO or Normal mode. If you turn off the car in ECO mode, it will restart in ECO. If you turn off the car in Normal, it will restart in Normal. However, if you turn off the car in Sport, it will always start in Normal.

 

Others on this site have speculated it's because of the possible liability of someone getting into their car and not being ready for the extra throttle response or altered steering effort. Sounds reasonable to me, though I wish there was a way to override it.

 

While that's one way of looking at it, the other is look at how many "economy" settings, visuals are available. From Eco Leafs, Ambient light that changes via throttle pressure, mileage readouts (multiple), and the actual Eco Mode itself (and not just on the IS), it's clear Lexus has efficiency at the forefront of their minds. Some of the things like that ambient light are psychological and you'd find youself driving more efficiently. Granted enthusiasts and car people will be able to tell it's a gimmick, but it is a gimmick that works for the 90% of drivers that aren't enthusiasts. So it makes sense that Sport mode would not turn back on after turning off and turning on the car again.

 

dont believe that there is a way to default it to sport mode

 

I drive in sport mode most of time so I wish there is a way to change the default driving mode. But I am fine with the way it is since I love playing with the switch ****.

 

thanks for all the replies guys!

maybe i'll ask the dealership if the setting can be changed through the car's computer on the next service

 

I don't think it would be that easy. I found a device that will enable this but the site is in Japanese and you would have to take off the trims to install it. Not worth it IMO.

http://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/user...437/parts.aspx

 

WOW WHY DOES THE JAPANESE VERSION HAVE SUCH NICE STARTUP SOUNDS???

i've always complained how the bmw startup sounds are soooooo much nicer than the old school ding sounds lexus is still using........

back on topic, yeaaa i think i'll just turn the **** everytime instead of going through all that trouble

 

It was the same on my 3 series so I'm kinda used to it anyway... But that dinger is pretty sweet :P