The Elio Automatic Transmission

[lkptpete]

As one of the previous Smart AMT "bashers" on this thread, I would like to make a couple of points. First, I have a funny feeling that since the AMT may use the same gearbox as the manual, Elio chose this route for fewer part numbers while giving customers who don't want to shift, a vehicle they can drive. I agree with the earlier post that if you use the paddles to shift it, the Smart AMT is just fine. My gripes are if you leave it in full auto mode. Packaging may be an issue for a traditional automatic as well.

 

[dgruis]

As one of the previous Smart AMT "bashers" on this thread, I would like to make a couple of points. First, I have a funny feeling that since the AMT may use the same gearbox as the manual, Elio chose this route for fewer part numbers while giving customers who don't want to shift, a vehicle they can drive. I agree with the earlier post that if you use the paddles to shift it, the Smart AMT is just fine. My gripes are if you leave it in full auto mode. Packaging may be an issue for a traditional automatic as well.

As a smart owner, I agree the AMT seems to shift extra slowly and extra early. I thought I would manually shift most of the time, but the AMT is much more fuel efficient if you let the computer shift. When I want to show off at a stop light, I flick it into manual and blow most cars away.

I laugh at smart car-bashers when I fill up. Especially knowing that I get about the same mpg as a Prius, but in a vehicle that only cost me $10,500 with 10,900 miles.

 

[Ekh]

Have a 2013 Sentra with CVT (constant velocity trans.) and works very well. However would rather have a 5 or 6 speed auto trans in the ELIO. The CVT in a 3 wheeler reminds me of the centrifical clutches in an old Cushman scooter and am past that! As for this donor engine (Metro Geo) and its built in trans----why are they still using this set up? Where is the IAV engine? Why not install one now and see where the mileage estimates will be instead of guessing ? RB

The IAV engine has all its pieces, but awaits machining. (Per elio town hall 8/16).

They still haven't picked a tranny supplier. The tranny will be a single-clutch transmission, but no clutch pedal. In the automatic version the computer chooses the shift points; in the manual version the driver does it by moving a selector lever.

 

[ncarter124]

I'm fairly set on an automatic, but that is only if it is not an additional cost (not sure if that has been determined yet). My Jeep Wrangler is the first automatic I have owned since I was 20 (I'm 34), so it is nice to be back in an auto, but the Elio will be far from my only vehicle, so I can go either way with it. I love being engaged in the driving experience, but i also love being able to relax and not shift all the time.

 

[Ekh]

A CVT should have no lurch when shifting as there are no 'gears'. My wife has a '12 Nissan Rogue with the CVT and it is smooth from start to stop.
Def a manual for me as I'll want to tow it behind the motorhome.

From Saturday's town hall meeting: both versions of the tranny can be flat-towed behind your monster motorhome!

 

[ElioDigger]

If they use AMT like the smart, you should be able to have both if you get the auto. The only thing missing would be the clutch petal. I would hope the manual would be a true manual with a clutch petal

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

They still haven't picked a tranny supplier.

Somewhere on here, I read they would be Aisin. I'll try to find that when I get home from work.

 

[GaPawn]

If they use AMT like the smart, you should be able to have both if you get the auto. The only thing missing would be the clutch petal. I would hope the manual would be a true manual with a clutch petal

Not having a clutch pedal would likely be a deal breaker for me!!! o_O

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

Somewhere on here, I read they would be Aisin. I'll try to find that when I get home from work.

I found the mention, but nothing that backed it up. Guess we still don't know for sure.

 

[Ty]

I found the mention, but nothing that backed it up. Guess we still don't know for sure.

Directly from the Elio Motors' site (I changed only the text color):

What does IAV supply to Elio Motors?
IAV is the engine designer for Elio Motors. They will design and develop the entire powertrain for the vehicle (engine, transmission, powertrain control system? Including performance, emissions, validation and endurance testing.

They may decide to use an Aisin transmission, of course, and I've seen that name floated around but I don't think it is in stone yet.