Function & Cost Of Amt Vs Manual: Interesting...

[Adamant]

the Elio automatic transmission will not be a traditional automatic .... it will be what is known as a AMT (automated manual transmission) .... without getting into technical data I don't have, my understanding is it is pretty much the same as the manual but has some sort of gizmo that controls the shifting .... the manual transmission will be standard .... the AMT will most probably come at an additional cost

On price for the "auto" (AMT) = Optional at an extra cost
AMT = Automated Manual Transmission --- The manual transmission but It uses electronic sensors, pneumatics, processors and actuators to execute gear shifts. This removes the need for a clutch pedal.
Not a perfect explanation, but should give you the idea.

So basically it'll be the type of tranny that you can either drive as full auto, or by flicking the shifter? Like this:

 

[Ty]

So basically it'll be the type of tranny that you can either drive as full auto, or by flicking the shifter? Like this:

Yes. That would be the one.

 

[Adamant]

Yes. That would be the one.

I've never had that type transmission before. Seems interesting.

 

[trock59]

My 05 Kia has an Aisin 5 spd. auto w/ the sport shift, it still takes 1- 1/2 seconds to shift. Not as bad as the powerglide in my old 69 chevy tho!

 

[ScarecrowRepair]

Elio even said the auto would get the best MPG, because it shifts perfectly ever time and the manual doesnt.

Automatics only get better mileage than manuals when the manual driver is not paying attention. By definition, automatics have to react to past conditions and cannot make predictions. Go up a hill? The automatic has to wait for the speed to drop to kick in some more gas, and then decide to downshift, several seconds after it should have and after the alert manual driver would have. Traffic ahead slowing down? The alert manual driver can predict what gear to be in while the automatic is blind and has to wait for the driver to slow down before it decides to downshift.

 

[W. WIllie]

ScarecrowRepair :
Downshifting in an automatic, is determined by the "load" on an engine, not actually "speed."

Willie

 

[ElioDigger]

my fear is it will shift too slow

 

[karl]

my fear is it will shift too slow

Too slow for what? My only "Elio" fear is that I will never get to drive mine.

 

[Jim H]

Too slow for what? My only "Elio" fear is that I will never get to drive mine.

Ditto, especially now that production forecast is well beyond what was stated when I made my initial reservation in 2013. I'm not getting any younger and the grim reaper may have me on his "to do" list.

 

[W. WIllie]

I "Beat" the grand reaper, that made me decide to take money from my "Funeral" fee and put down for the ELIO.

Willie