Sparky

My '99 3.2TL didn't do this. I find this almost useless on the 04TL.

MattB

Do you mean the SportShift manual control function? Yes, the majority of them will shift 1-2, and as far as I know all except Acura's will automatically upshift at or near redline. It has been documented that you can blow the engine in a TL by leaving it in M mode and taking it deep into the redline for extended periods of time.

rets

As Acura described below,

The transmission will upshift from first to second automatically if the driver doesn't command an upshift in time.

In second, third and fourth, the transmission won't upshift without a command from the driver; the ECU cuts off fuel flow to the engine if there is danger of over-revving the engine. The transmission will upshift itself to prevent engine damage in the rare situation where the fuel cutoff alone is unable to prevent further engine over revving (as could happen on a steep downhill).

When downshifting, the transmission won't execute a driver-commanded downshift that would send the engine beyond redline in the lower gear.

To prevent lugging away from a stop in a high gear, the Sequential SportShift transmission will automatically downshift to first gear as it comes to a stop, even in manual mode.

SergeyM

BMWs do not auto upshift 1-2. Do up-shift at red-line though. Allow 2-1 shift.

SergeyM

BMWs do not auto upshift 1-2. Dol shift at red-line though. Allow 2-1 shift.

Sparky

Automatically shifting at red line is fine. Automatically shifting from 1-2 and not allowing 2-1 shifts are not.

RJC RSX

rsx and tsx don't

vtechbrain

That has always been standard on the TL. On my type S I didn't see much use for the autostick except for downshifting. 99% of the time the car stayed in auto, the transmission was just as responsive in that mode. If you want real control and improved performance, you have to go manual. The autostick is more of a boy racer toy.

ajbiggie

300M doesn't do it either

fuque

The SportShift in my IS-300 wouldn't even let you go below second gear - all shifting between first and second was completely automatic.

Peters

I don't agree, when you use the tiptronic under the right circumstances, you can hold the car in certain gears and use the combination of engine breaking and acceleration to move through the twisties quickly. It also works well at highway speeds, particularly in 3rd. After 1st, the application of downshifts and upshifts is no different than a manual and to some, because the mechanics of a peddle clutch have been eliminated, the whole process is faster. After all, some race cars use the same principle.

What is really something is L mode in the new 5AT. It will hold the car in 1st and 2nd as long as possible and then downshift rather quickly keeping the revs quite high. It allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and concentrate on steering letting the auto do the work.

Ruski

Actually Acura's is one of the few autoshift trannies that will NOT shift by itself at redline. Instead the engine will bounce off the redline and that does not feel very pleasant by the way. It pulls the best near redline too, so sometimes one gets so involved in the great sensation of acceleration that one forgets to shift, that makes the redline bouncing even more unpleasant

As far as I know, Acura TL's tranny has always shifted by itslef from 1 to 2 though. Not always a predictable shift either. Sometimes too soon, sometimes near redline, etc.

Many other cars with the autoshift feature shift by themselves at redline. My '99 Chrysler 300M had AutoStick and it shifted at reline by itself, but it stayed near redline just a bit longer to squeeze the most out of the engine.

Sherlock

Rets had it right tho, this TL *will* upshift under extreme conditions after it bounces on the rev limiter and nothing gets done by the driver. But nothing so quick like the BMW or whatnot.

I agree that the SSS is extremely useful, specially coming off an onramp into traffic, being able to knock it to 3rd and hold it there till you are up to speed in traffic, then 4th till you settle down to a good speed.. then 5th once done shifting, then back into auto. That's how I get on the roads.

MattB

That's what I said.

Tajam

Nissan/infiniti cars dont

vidaloco34

VWs Tiptronic dont (well, only if you reach redline). I have been real close to redline many time in my Passat (after standing at a red light I forget I have it on tip)and it hasn't upshifted for me yet.

Sparky

Correction: My '99 3.2TL allowed full control on upshifts and downshifts between 1st and 2nd.

I live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, making SSS very practical without the hassle of a clutch.

FTM

Like Sparky said the 1999 ACURA 3.2TL with 4 speed auto sport-shift trans would not shift from 1st to 2nd gear when in sport- shift. The 2000 TL & up 5 speed models will shift from 1st to 2nd.