2012 Lexus LFA change time

36
Shifting
With regards to the drivetrain, the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift switches
command the automated dry single-plate clutch and rear-mounted ASG (Automated
Sequential Gearbox) transaxle. This fully automated configuration allows the driver to
upshift (+) or downshift (-) while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
When the driver initiates a gear change using the paddle shift switches, the ASG
computer automatically controls and coordinates clutch engagement, engine speed,
torque transfer and gear select and shift operations.
The engine-mounted dr y single-plate clutch and rear-mounted transaxle are
connected via torque tube to provide the direct feel of a manual gearbox.
The ECU manages gear changes to provide intuitive response to the driver ’s
a c c e l e r a t i o n d e m a n d s . D o i n g s o a l l o w s g e a r c h a n g e s t o b e c a r r i e d o u t
instantaneously, providing a nearly uninterrupted flow of power. The engine speed
is computer controlled on upshifts and downshifts in order to ensure smooth clutch
engagement.
Naturally, shifting can be accomplished manually via the paddle shift switches.
However, shifting can also be performed automatically in AUTO mode. Switching to a
different driving mode using the driving mode selector switch or operating the paddle
shift switches will resume manual operation.
When in a manually shifted driving mode, the shift speeds may be tailored to the
driver’s preferences. Using the shift speed selector, the shift speed can be adjusted in
7 stages to a minimum shift time of approximately 0.15 seconds.

41
Shifting
■
■Driving mode-specific shift characteristics
The driving mode selector switch allows the driver to choose the automatically shifted

AUTO mode or a manually shifted SPORT, NORMAL or WET mode and their
corresponding default shift speed level. The driver may perform gear changes using the
paddle shift switches while driving in a manually shifted driving mode. While the shift speed
is adjustable using the shift speed selector, each driving mode has its own default shift
speed setting. Shift speeds are determined by how quickly the following operations are
carried out: Clutch disengagement, gear select, gear shift and clutch engagement.
Selecting a faster shift speed will shorten the time it takes from the moment the paddle shift
switch is pulled until the shift is totally completed. Faster shift speeds allow for enhanced
response and near-seamless power delivery, but will also result in a greater amount of shift
shock due to the speed at which the aforementioned operations are carried out. Selecting
a slower shift speed will allow the clutch and gear shift/select mechanisms to operate at a
more gentle pace, leading to a smoother application of torque and less shift shock.
Driving modeDriving mode default shift speed
AUTO ■■
2/7 (Non-adjustable)
SPORT ■■■■■□□
5/7
NORMAL ■■■□□□□
3/7
WET ■□□□□□□
1/7
Shift characteristicsLevel 1 n Level 7
Shift speed Slow (approx. 1 sec.) n
Fast (approx. 0.15 sec.)
Shift shock Less n
More

Shift speed selector
When in a manually shif ted driving
mode (SPORT, NORMAL or WET),

the shift speed can be adjusted from
l e v e l 1 t o 7 u s i n g t h e s h i f t s p e e d
selector.
Shift speed is also determined by the
accelerator pedal angle. The more the
accelerator pedal is depressed, the
shorter the shift times will be.
S106-04
Fast
Slow
Fully released Fully
depress
Level 1
Level 2 Level 7
Accelerator
pedal angle
Shift speed

67
Using the meter
■
■Menu structure
Speed Ind The color will change and a buzzer will sound when
the vehicle reaches a set speed.
Rev Ind The color will change and a buzzer will sound when
the engine speed reaches a set speed.
Status Trip Info
Indicates the instantaneous fuel consumption, average
vehicle speed, average fuel consumption, and driving
range.
Oil Level Shows the amount of engine oil in the oil tank.
Oil
Maintenance Indicates engine oil replacement timing. (Be sure to
reset after replacing the oil.)
Tire Pressure Shows inflation pressure of each tire.
Lap Timer Measures and shows lap times.
Brightness Allows driver to adjust the brightness of the meter and
interior illumination.
Settings Needle
Allows driver to change the color of the tachometer
needle.
Rev Peak Retains an image of the tachometer needle at the
highest engine speed attained prior to an upshift or
deceleration.
Clock Allows driver to adjust the displayed time and choose
between 12-hour (12H) and 24-hour (24H) mode.
Shortcut Allows driver to jump to a preset display.
Units Changes units of the displayed speed, odometer
readings and fuel consumption between MPG,
L/100 km and km/l.
Temp Changes the display temperature between Celsius
and Fahrenheit.
Language Changes the language displayed.
When a warning is displayed on the meter, the “Menu” text at the top of the menu
screen will change to “Warning”.

69
Using the meter
Checking and topping up the oil level
The LFA uses a dry-sump oil system to circulate the engine oil between the
engine and the oil tank. Therefore, depending on the conditions, the level of oil
in the oil tank can vary greatly.
Cautions when checking the oil level
• In order to attain the most accurate
m e a s u r e m e n t , l e a v e t h e e n g i n e
running after driving and check the
oil level while the engine is idling. The
oil level will take time to stabilize if the
engine is stopped and started again.
• As the engine oil level in the oil tank
va r i e s d e p e n d i n g o n t h e d r i v i n g
condition of the vehicle immediately
before measurement, the results may
vary even if the overall oil amount is
constant.
MAX
MIN
Cautions when topping up the oil level
• Ensure that the oil level does not fall below the MIN marking.
• The space between the MAX and MIN markings represents approximately
2.1 qt. (2.0 L, 1.8 Imp. qt.). While the oil may be topped up as required, never
add more than 0.5 qt. (0.5 L, 0.4 lmp. qt.) at one time.
• Even if the oil level is below the MAX mark, do not add more oil than
necessary.
Oil level gauge
• The oil level gauge installed on the oil tank is for oil changes. Do not use it to
check the current oil level.

71
Using the meter
■
■Rev Peak
An afterimage of the tachometer needle at the highest engine speed attained prior
to an upshift or deceleration will be retained for approximately 0.5 seconds. This
function simulates the “telltale needle” used in traditional analog racing tachometers to
help the driver time their upshifts and check over-revs on downshifting etc.
The Rev Peak function can be turned on or off from “Settings” on the menu display.
The color of the tachometer needle afterimage will change in accordance with that of
the actual tachometer needle.
Tachometer needle colorTachometer afterimage needle color
Blue Red
Red Blue
White Blue