My Graphite NEVER went even to the 1/2 mark, because I had the fan speed remapped for $50.

You can lower, by 10C/18F, the temperature versus fan speed graph with a "Star Diagnostic System" (which costs around $4000). I got a shop in ATL to do it for me. With my current car, I'm stuck as they no longer have the computer to do it!

THe idea here is that your thermostat opens around 190F. But the fan does not reach full speed until around 218F. This was done to save a little on gas mileage by letting the engine get a bit warmer before the fan speeds up (the fan consumes some 1HP or so at full speed). THIS is how the automotive industry struggles to keep their average fleet mileage a tiny bit higher to march in lock-step with the asshats who run the country and world.

It is normal, but I insist is it poor practice. Go get an ultra-gauge and watch the temperature and you will see that I know what I'm talking about.