The Elio Automatic Transmission

"Sport" mode on my Abarth does quite a few things: it remaps the pedal, raises the shift points, makes it shift faster, increases turbo boost (adding 20 more pounds of torque), tightens the steering, and makes it hold lower gears through turns so that you can get back on the throttle quicker upon exiting the turn. It also works some Fiat magic to cause the occasional backfire!

On the Sedona, the only thing I notice is that it upshifts later when it in ECO mode.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ECO = Elio's Confusing Option

McBrew said:

On the Sedona, the only thing I notice is that it upshifts later when it in ECO mode.

Click to expand...

Did you mean upshifts sooner?

Jambe said:

Did you mean upshifts sooner?

Click to expand...

Yeah, that is what I meant.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jambe said:

"As was explained to me when buying a new car, the ECO mode causes the transmission to shift at lower RPMs. If it is off, the shifts occur at higher RPMs." - #184, E1c thread.

Click to expand...

I wonder then what the difference in MPGs will be when on vs off. That'd be cool if it hit 84 when off and then something better when on.

If I had to guess, they added the "Eco" button to achieve that 84mpg, since in recent interviews they were coming very close. But in stretching out those shift points, acceleration probably took a hit (which Elio previously stated they a few different numbers in 0-60 times, 9.6, 10.6, 11+). So with that in mind, maybe the Eco button (when on) pushes the Elio to reach that promised 84 mpg, and when its off it provides a little bit faster acceleration times but a lower mpg around 80ish. Time will tell.

Adamant said:

I wonder then what the difference in MPGs will be when on vs off. That'd be cool if it hit 84 when off and then something better when on.

Click to expand...

It would be cool, but I wouldn't count on it. The best mileage I ever got from any vehicle I've owned was 74 MPG. It was a Yamaha TW200 with an astonishing 16 horsepower.

I expect that 84 MPG figure will only be attainable in central Kansas (pool table flat) at a sustained 50 miles per hour.

Coss said:

What he said.
I don't even think it was brought up in the video Joeker88 did when he was talking to the EM rep.
Nor was it mentioned by anyone else that was there and posted a review on the E1C.

Click to expand...

I asked specifically this question in LA. It will be only on models with an automatic. The E1C is equipped with a manual, so non-functional. It's is a transmission/engine program mode to maximize fuel economy. You'll get lower throttle response and higher shift points. Similar in concept many cars that have selectable Sport, Economy modes (my pony has also Track, Rain/Snow, modes which also affect Traction Control).

Officespaced said:

You'll get lower throttle response and higher shift points.

Click to expand...

Lower shift points.

I would get mid fifties in my 1991 GEO Metro on the highway, so I am optimistic that the Elio at half as wide and 700 lb lighter will get the MPG. I would run it at 70 mph which is only about 15 mph below its maximum speed and in Utah we have a number of hills/mountains. Although when they started adding in the ethanol I dropped about 4-6 mpg. I am not a fan of the Ethanol and its lower energy density. I would really like to just use good old regular gasoline and keep the farmers growing food. I know I am bordering on political comment, but gasoline really works good in cars.