Quote:
Originally Posted by smbrm
...When I look at this speed vs. rpm curve in attachment 4647, I wonder how often you would even use 6th gear in the automatic? Assuming you are maintaining the speed limit of 70 mph, you do not have much torque in 6th. So while you may be using the box more in the manual at low speeds, you will probably be using the paddles more at high speed in the automatic to manage hills on the highway? Just wondering if anyone else sees it this way?
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I recently drove the AT through back roads of the mountains of North Carolina, and on the freeway through same said mountains. The AT had no issue maintaining speed in 6th gear from what I could tell, including grades that trucker warnings on them (6% or greater). This included on and off cruise control on the highways.
In the mountain roads I was enjoying myself so I had it either in Sport or Manual mode, never got into anything higher than 4th during that time. Regardless of the grade the FR-S had speed it left on the table because of my unwillingness to drive it faster. I was doing 25-35MPH marked curves and switchbacks at 45-60MPH the entire time.
I will say that when passing, the AT had to kick down to 5th gear. Sometimes I dropped it down to 4th or even 3rd gear at highway speeds to pass and stay in the upper torgue range. 3rd was never really necessary, just having some fun after finally getting through the break-in period.
Some more details in my Owner's Journal if you are interested. Hope that helps.