The car is a '98 2.5l tip with approximately 75k miles on it. Initially I experienced hesitation at low RPM (2k to 2.5k) which I have attributed to the vario-cam. Recently, a more serious and troubling issue came up.
When cruising at mid RPM in 4th or 5th gear (D-mode) and flooring the pedal results in a kickdown to 3rd, rapid increase in RPM and acceleration, then a slight hick-up/hesitation at 5k RPM and then all the way into the redline where it sits without changing up to 4th. The RPM stays at around 6K until I lift my foot off the accelerator pedal before it actually decides to change gears. This feels serious and not right...can anybody offer any advice.