Quick Poll. Yes, Another Poll. This One About Transmissions.

[Edward]

For me, the deciding factor isn't so much the mileage, but the cost. If the automatic costs more, I'm getting the manual. If they are the same price, I'm going auto.

 

[Cali Chris]

I voted for the auto, but that will change if the auto they choose does not instill faith in me.

 

[H2odog]

That's a little better then. 60 in a 45 is a lot better than 60 in a 35

You are of course, assuming that I still have hair!

 

[H2odog]

For me, the deciding factor isn't so much the mileage, but the cost. If the automatic costs more, I'm getting the manual. If they are the same price, I'm going auto.

Then you should begin to exercise your left leg and right arm as the AT will be an extra cost option.

 

[H2odog]

Hey Job... Keep in mind.. If it remains motorcycle class... This is your free ticket to drive in the HOV lane... So the days of bumper to bumper will be very limited.... Just saying... This is one of the very big advantage of the Elio for me...!

Chewy, Lived in Mesa for quite come time, and drove the 17-10-101-202 both in and out of the HOV. While they are plentiful in AZ and Ca I haven't seen much or them in the east.

 

[Edward]

Then you should begin to exercise your left leg and right arm as the AT will be an extra cost option.

My current ride is actually my first automatic transmission. All the previous ones have been a stick

 

[H2odog]

My current ride is actually my first automatic transmission. All the previous ones have been a stick

Sounds like you are all ready for your Elio! Please enjoy your time here, the ride getting there and your new Elio!!

 

[Lil4X]

My questions concern the cost and reliability of the automatic.

Some AMT's on the market are jerky - particularly when starting from rest. You can't just dump an idling engine into gear without some sort of fluid coupling between the drive and driven shafts or you risk snapping your neck - or something mechanical. My ancient Dodge that got me through high school had that fluid coupling between the engine and clutch, making it possible to idle with the car in gear. "Possible" being the operative word here. The thing shook like a terrier if left in gear at a stoplight, and it was obviously unhappy about being forced to absorb the engine torque against the brake. Later versions of MoPar's "Fluid Drive" would have a two-speed "automatic" transmission behind that fluid coupling. Press on the gas and as you reach about 20 mph, lift off and wait for the loud "CLACK" that indicated the solenoid-operated manual transmission had shifted into "high" gear. Resume acceleration. At least the fluid coupling buffered the shift.

I realize transmissions are far more sophisticated these days, but the requirements for smoothness, efficiency, reliability, and cost would seem to be at cross-purposes. Although I'd prefer an automatic because the majority of my driving will be commuting in traffic, although I had manual transmissions in my Opel and my Civic that weren't that bad. I spent a lot of time in traffic on and off the very light clutches in both examples, and although I fairly well trashed the tranny in the Civic with over-boisterous driving (yes, you can power-shift the EX engine . . . at a cost) the vehicles were otherwise reliable commuters. I'm interested in Elio's automatic, but rather than pay the difference while being the Beta tester for a "new" transmission, I'll probably opt for a manual when the time comes.

While we are on the topic, maybe a sequential gearbox could be available? One down and four up, like a motorcycle? That would be interesting if you could slip a reverse cog in there somewhere it couldn't be selected accidentally.

 

[Zipper]

Since it appears that Aisin is definitely the transmission manufacturer, I researched their existing AMTs (existing/proven technology, right?). Aisin has a couple of 5-speed designs that have been offered in small vehicles. The most recent is their MC25 that went into the Toyota Corolla during the 2004 or 2005 model year. Earlier, their MC5 was incorporated into the Toyota Yaris/Vitz and Suzuki Swift vehicles around 2002 or 2003 and is most likely the ancestor of the MC25. Didn't find anything either good or bad about either one of them, but also didn't spend a great deal of time at it either. Perhaps someone on the forum 'knows a guy whose brother-in-law's second cousin's best friend' had one and can provide some 'really accurate' input.

 

[BlioKart]

If Elio is going to use an AMT this one is pretty cool I still wont get the AMT in not lazy.