I have limited experience with "modern" automatic transmissions and until a couple years ago never imagined I would ever own anything but manual transmissions.

That said, I have been impressed with the powertrain controller's bandwidth.
A couple observations in "D" gate, in Sport mode...
1) The controller will command a "stealth" neutral while coasting downhill. Touching the brakes will lock the torque converter back up, squeezing the brakes further will provoke successive downshifts, the number and speed of which are based upon the deceleration rate. The stealth neutral is so smooth and subtle I never would have noticed it unless I was watching the tachometer. Makes the decade-newer Acura TLX transmission seem like a rookie effort, it is so jerky and floppy.
2) Setting out with intent from a dead stop, then backing off the throttle abruptly will provoke the controller to hold the last gear for about 10 seconds or so. I think it holds that last gear even longer while cornering. I love the poised, compression-braking composure during this transient...like the car is at battle stations and ready for anything. Very manual-transmission-like. Backing off the throttle more slowly does not provoke the same behavior.

Whoever set this thing up did an amazing job in discerning the driver's intentions.

I used to find it intellectually offensive when powerful cars with massive torque curves had >6 speed automatics. Ever watch the 2017 Camaro ZL1 10-speed hot lap at the Nurburgring? It's basically a CVT, staying in a narrow 2k rpm band with a motor that has a torque curve like the rock of Gibraltar. The ISF itself has ~300lb-ft at the wheels over a 3k rpm range. But if powertrain controllers can be programmed to respond quickly, accurately, and smoothly over a broad range of conditions, then why the heck not go with 8 or 10 speeds?

 

One thing that grabbed my attention when I drove the ISF was transmission/programming by Aisin/Lexus engineers! Despite it's age it's still one of the best automatic transmissions on the market over a decade later IMO and part of what gives the ISF it's character and maximizes the power curve of the 2UR-GSE

 

I could not agree more. I've driven performance cars for many decades and IMHO the F really reads the driver's mind better than any other.

 

What does engine torque have to do with anything? Power is all that matters if you want to go fast. The whole reason for a gearbox is to be able to stay where the engine power is by converting power to torque at the wheels. Hard to believe in 2020 people still don't understand what gearboxes actually do.

The thing you're saying you like is called Flex Lock, and yes, the first time I drove my IS350 I was really surprised at how well it mimicked the way I drive a manual. It was my first purchase with an automatic, everything previously was manual. Manuals are fun, but I'll never go back for a whole bunch of reasons. Besides, I have the Supra any time I want to row the shifter.

 

I agree, and the 10AT vs 6MT acceleration times prove it out. My "intellectual offense" comment was related to the LT4's torque curve shape. Before the modern AT age, one might well have thought such a motor did not "need" more ratios for decent or even scintillating performance.

Thanks for the reference on Flex Lock, much appreciated.