The Elio Automatic Transmission

So often in marketing, what the big print gives, the small print takes away.

Initially, I wanted an automatic - simply because in commuter traffic I wouldn't have to put up with the left-leg calisthenics a manual tranny requires. But two things got me to puzzling over this.

1. There is NO currently-available auto-manual transmission that approaches the traditional smoothness of a conventional slushbox, so for me, it's not a win-win - there's going to be a sacrifice of comfort for the convenience of the automatic . . . and that's not quite acceptable for me. I don't know why, you'd think the actuators could be programmed to take up the clutch more smoothly, but according to the reviews, they don't. Most auto-manuals are jerky on engagement (according to the testers) and rough at the shift points. Maybe the sophistication of the computer required to handle all the variables gets to be unrealistic, given the price constraints. OK, Ferrari, I understand the pride you take in offering no clutch or fluid couplings in your cars at this point . . . you spend the megabucks, you want the authentic neck-snapping boy-racer experience . . . but a Ferrari would be absolutely miserable in the commuto-slog many of us face every day. Rather than have my neck snapped every time I step on the loud pedal, I want a smooth engagement of the clutch, almost imperceptible shifts, and a totally automatic experience. I'm not entering the Casino turn at Monoco. Well, not this week.
   
2. Conventional clutch-gearbox combinations have gotten smoother over the years, particularly in sub-2 liter cars. My Opel and my Civic never required a lot of leg and they handled commuter traffic pretty well. And (once in a while I have to give kudos to the traffic engineers), the start-stop of freeway commuting isn't nearly so bad as it was a couple decades ago. The Civic's cable-actuated clutch was light and smooth, but the Opel's hydraulic clutch was even lighter, even though it retained excellent "feel" at the point of engagement.

Now I haven't had any experience with a sub 1 liter engine in recent years, but I recall even the motocross-ready 400cc 'Zukes could be shifted smoothly (the last thing you wanted in the soft or crumbly stuff was a snap shift). But even down around 30lbs/hp (as in the Elio), you don't want to be lurching about with every gear change. While that torque you're applying to the ground may be minimal, so's your weight - so you're not working with a lot of inertia here, and you're going to feel those shifts appropriately.

That's why I'm beginning to have second thoughts. I've experienced both automatics and manuals - and even one stone-age automatic in a '51 Desoto that was such a pain in the butt my Dad traded it in after only a year for a considerably improved automatic in the '53 model. Early adopters of these auto-manuals are likely to pay, not only for the option, but in terms of long-term comfort. Me, I'm beginning to think I'd rather shift for myself.

Now, if they'll put a sequential box behind that 3-cyl engine . . .

Agreed.

I believe I read some where where the modern automatic transmission is better on gas milage and putting the shift point where it should be. It is, agreed, not the hot rod-er's dream, but on a long range cruiser like this vehicle, probably won't matter much. But in the city - at the light - it will make a difference in the city milage.
MK

I see that there is a choice between the automatic and the manual version. Does the price remain the same or is there going to be a difference applied to the overall set price of $6,800 for the car for choosing the automatic version?

Thanks,

-ElioTony

I don't think there is anything set in concrete, but if I were a betting sorta fella, I'd bet that the auto tranny will be an option and will run the price up a bit....

Just guessing though!!!

The automatic - actually an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) will be an extra cost option. Estimated pricing numbers I've seen here vary from $400-$1000.

I remember reading the auto would be more $, but I don't recall how much.

Has the AMT been finalized? I wasn't sure if it was an AMT or a conventional automatic.

If it's an AMT, I hope it functions better then the POS in my mother's (not so)SmartCar. It shifts like a kid learning to drive A stick.

ElioTony said:

I see that there is a choice between the automatic and the manual version. Does the price remain the same or is there going to be a difference applied to the overall set price of $6,800 for the car for choosing the automatic version?

Thanks,

-ElioTony

Click to expand...

When I first started investigating the Elio the price was going to be the same. Then there was some problem with the selected automatic so plans had to change accordingly. It is one of the many things we will have to wait to learn more about closer to production. :-) Z