Thank you, all, for the kind words and warm welcome.
Quote:
Originally Posted by brzmaybe
First, is there any way for you to estimate the weight difference between the manual and automatic transmissions?
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I picked up the following curb weight numbers for the different JDM Toyota 86 models from their official website:
RC Manual: 2601 lbs (1180 kg)
G Manual: 2662 lbs (1210 kg)
G Automatic: 2706 lbs (1230 kg)
GT Manual: 2706 lbs (1230 kg)
GT Automatic: 2750 lbs (1250 kg)
GT Limited Manual: 2706 lbs (1230 kg)
GT Limited Automatic: 2750 lbs (1250 kg)
Thus, the automatics are 44 lbs (20 kg) heavier than the manuals.
Quote:
Originally Posted by brzmaybe
Second, do you have any comments on a couple of "first drive" review articles suggesting that the automatic might, all things being considered, be just a little bit faster around the track?
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Indeed, I've seen those, and wonder if differences in the individual manual vs automatic gear ratios might account for some of this.
One thing I will say, though, is how Toyota/Lexus have applied their philosophy of
kaizen, or continuous improvement, to the A760E high torque capacity 6-speed automatic. This is what is in my current daily driver, a 2011 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Last November, though, I was invited to the long lead press preview for the 4th-generation Lexus GS 350 that is just arriving in dealerships (and shares the same transmission). The tweaks mentioned in my article (earlier torque converter lockup, faster upshift and downshift times and rev-matching throttle blips accompanying downshifts) make a notable and impressive difference versus my older iteration of the same transmission. And, from what I've read, the lighter A960E automatic from the IS 250 RWD has also received these tweaks as it appears on the Toyobaru triplets.
Personally, I think it's sacrilegious to get an FR-S or BRZ with an automatic transmission, but it seems that those that do make this choice should be quite happy and will have among the best and most responsive torque-converter automatics out there.