AtotheZ

Hello All,

I noticed that when the car is in "Drive" and I use the paddle shifters it will display the gear number without the M next to it like in in "Sport" mode. The car feels to behave the same with and without the M, what is the difference?

Also,
When in "Sport" mode and I downshift, should I be worried about the engine rpm compared to how fast I am going? I read that the 2012 has rev matching which makes it safe to downshift up to 2 gears.

Looking forward for your responses.

Teddybear

In D, the paddle shifters make it so that you can drop a gear or two in order to pass somebody. If you stay in the lower gear too long, and don't accelerate, it will shift back up to the correct gear. In D, it will shift economically according to your driving style (ie, if you hammer the gas down, it'll hold the gear longer).

In S auto, it will hold the gear longer regardless.

In S "Manual" you have full control, and it will not take over unless u try to downshift to a gear that is too low for the engine's rpm.

As for downshifting, yes the engine will rev match, however, you probably shouldn't do engine braking as you would in a manual car, as the Torque Converter will be taking more stress. The car downshifts for you when you slow down.

SeismicGuy

As long as I have been driving I have had automatics and was never bashful about manually shifting up or down when I want to. However the trend has been for many automatics these days not actually being able to manually hold first gear. I could do that in our 2000 TL but I don't think our 2012 allows that. Now I rarely if ever actually manually shift upwards but I often manually downshift an automatic when, for example, going down a hill or when I see stopped traffic suddenly ahead and want the engine braking to help me quickly slow down.

The thing is I have never had a problem with transmission or torque converter when downshifting for engine braking but then again I have never abused this but limited it to sensible occasional use.

AtotheZ

Makes sense, thanks for the reply.

Teddybear

The 2010's let you downshift all the way back to first gear. I've engine braked before, but i stopped when people started getting reports on how the 09-11 torque converter was having issues. Now, I have no reservations on downshifting to pass, but i would be on the gas, and not on the brakes.

Mr Marco

Take it back and get the 6M

AtotheZ

Haha, maybe when they have manual with paddle shifters and a pinky clutch.

oc48bound

I didn't realize the '13 rev matches - I was wondering why the engine breaking on this car is so much less then my '04 3G TL. The engine breaking in the 4G is non-existent to the point it does't really even slow the car down. In my 3G dropping from fifth to third at 50-60mph is very noticeable - almost like stepping on the break.

Edward'TLS

Starting in the 2012 MY, the 6-speed auto box in the 4G TL has the ability to automatic "blip throttle and match rev" when performing gear shifts.

So the gear shifts become smoother and the mechanical wear becomes lesser.

mrphilipanderson

its 6 years later and im STILL laughing about this comment.