Autobox On A Gradient

[dipstick]

Because I'm sad, I got copies of the latest GS and LS brochures from Lexus. (The GS one comes in a nice paper envelope - the LS one is all faux leather cardboard).

Anyway.

Q1) Reading the specs, it rather implies that the gearbox in a GS is clever enough to know when you are driving downhill, and change down to keep the car at a constant speed.

Well mine doesn't. Does anyone's? Is this a new feature since 98, when mine was built?

Q2) I'm jolly sure I read about the LS having laser adaptive cruise at some point recently (the system where it will speed up and slow down as the traffic in front of you does). But no mention in the brochure. Has it been withdrawn or did I dream it in the first place?

[ColinBarber]

It's meant to change down gear to maintain driver control - mine never really does it. The 430 seems to do it better than my old 300, I guess they have improved the software.

Laser cruise has been available for a few years in the US on the LS and also on the new RX330. I don't think it has been made available in Europe. You probably read a US press release about the new LS?

[dipstick]

1) Ooh, never knew that. ANOTHER reason for a car upgrade.

2) AAAAAARGH. Dealbreaker. S Class it is.

[NickF]

Mine does it, although not as noticeably as my old B*W 528. I only really notice it when I have been driving at a constant speed - say 60 in 5th - and then go down a steepish hill. If I then brake lightly to keep the speed at 60, it does change down into 4th.