Transmission & Suspension Changes On Different Reg Plates...

[SC-berks]

I drove a 2002 model today and noticed a change from the 2006 they gave me as a loaner.

The 2006, if I remember, allowed gear changes 1st through 5th trip-tronic.

The 2002 was 2nd through 4th trip-tronic.

Was this right? Was this just a cosmetic change in the visable gear plate.. or does it go deeper than this?

Where any changes made to the transmission / over the years?

Suspension: Was the change in Suspension from 2002 to 2003 really noticeable on the Drive??? Has anyone drivien both models ?? can you comment?

If I'm looking for a stiffer ride.. should I just put on some after-market Shocks? ( can't remember what you call them in British! )

[Parthiban]

The 2006, if I remember, allowed gear changes 1st through 5th trip-tronic.

The 2002 was 2nd through 4th trip-tronic.

Was this right? Was this just a cosmetic change in the visable gear plate.. or does it go deeper than this?

If you were driving one of the facelifted 2006 cars, then yes it has a different gearbox. The new ones have a 6 speed autobox, whereas the older cars had a 5 speed box. Are you sure the tiptronic didn't go up to the final gear? Sounds a little odd as the 6 speed box in the new IS250 lets you shift right from 1st to 6th using the paddles, and I would have thought it was the same or very similar box.....