Quote:
Originally Posted by huyttz
RX-8 and MX-5 for sure, it is the same Aisin 6-speed Automatic with paddle shifters I'm assuming will be on the FR-S. Here's an article reviewing the MX-5... http://www.autosite.com/content/shar...le_id_int/1415
CLIFFS NOTES: power drops to 166hp from 170hp, city gas mileage drops, highway same, "no discernable effect on performance or handling", some actually preferred the automatic saying it was smoother and faster, but hardcore enthusiasts will still prefer a manual.
It should be noted that the RX-8 has a rev limit of 9000rpm, but for the automatic it was lowered to 7500rpm and made less power because the torque converter can't handle the high revs. Mazda did change the gearing and probably other stuff to compensate and give the car the same acceleration. |
Okay. I am a little familiar with the RX-8 automatic. The engine has 4 ports instead of 6 so power tops out just past 6000RPM with 200BHP. They started with a 4 speed auto in 2004 and switched to a 6spd either that year or the next. I didn't really pay as much attention to the timeline. The part that the auto gearbox wasn't rev happy like the manual stuck with me though. If the power peak is anywhere near 7000RPM that could mean the automatic engine could be detuned for less RPM therefore less BHP. Which is not very encouraging for auto cars :/.