Same here, the shifts on my 7 speed are pretty much instantaneous. There's no mistaking it for a SMG or DSG but it's definitely not 2 - 3 seconds.

And yes, unless you have crappy grounds or a crazy stereo system, grounding wires won't do anything but lighten your wallet. I have yet to see a double blind scientific test that proves the benefit of a grounding wire kit over the manufacturers stock system.

 

I thought the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart & Evo have it as well

 

The IS-F uses Lexus' regular 8-speed automatic transmission but it locks up the torque converter in gears 2 through 8 when in manual mode.