The Elio Standard Transmission

[DanS]

As BigDog pointed out all Elio's essentially start out with the same manual transmission but the automatic adds a number of components to that transmission designed to operate the clutch and shift gears so as they are adding parts to the base transmission this would off course also add cost.

I am going with the Automatic conversion as this will be my commuter vehicle and I want my hands free to drink my coffee on the way to work in the morning . I currenly drive a manual and I just feel it will be a better fit for me in my situation, but I do understand those folks that choose the manual trans. From what I have read on here about the Auto conversion kit I am satisfied that it will be a good product.

 

[goofyone]

but the computer is already there, it just needs the program to operate the transmission.

interesting .... I wasn't aware that the manual transmission they are going to use required a computer

Jim

I just posted over in the Automatic thread about the model numbers and an article which explain a bit about the AMT system. The automatic does require a separate TCU (transmission control unit) which is not needed by the manual as well as the electro-mechanical additions which actually operate the clutch and transmission.

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/the-elio-automatic-transmission.124/page-53#post-76712

 

[Johnny Acree]

I just posted over in the Automatic thread about the model numbers and an article which explain a bit about the AMT system. The automatic does require a separate TCU (transmission control unit) which is not needed by the manual as well as the electro-mechanical additions which actually operate the clutch and transmission.

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/the-elio-automatic-transmission.124/page-53#post-76712

OK, I learned something. I just assumed that if smart used the same computer to control everything that Elio would also.

 

[goofyone]

For general information as far as I can find Elio Motors is likely planning to use the Aisin BC5 manual transmission as this is the least expensive 5-speed transverse front wheel drive transmission in their catalog and this also has an AMT variant as discussed in this post in the Elio automatic thread.

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/the-elio-automatic-transmission.124/page-53#post-76712

 

[Jim H]

the parts not needed with the AMT (clutch pedal, linkage, time to assemble the parts) should help to offset some of the cost of additional parts needed .... granted, the unneeded parts of the manual probably wouldn't come close to the cost of the computer such

Jim

Great point. It would be wonderful if they balanced out.

 

[Jay3wheel]

Great point. It would be wonderful if they balanced out.

Below, you will find a list of all the auto companies that charge the same for Automatic Transmissions,

1.
2.
3.

You have now seen the entire list.
Oops no Elio either.

 

[Jim H]

Below, you will find a list of all the auto companies that charge the same for Automatic Transmissions,

1.
2.
3.

You have now seen the entire list.
Oops no Elio either.

At this point you are correct but I would like to point out that Elio is NOT the traditional auto company and Paul Elio has stated numerous times that he wants to provide economical transportation option for everyone. I will not rule this out yet and hope that with the changes in parts will offset some of the costs. This would be consistent with Paul Elio's goal of keeping the costs down for the consumer.

 

[Jay3wheel]

I would not hold my breath.

 

[trock59]

The best choice for economical transporation is still the manual transmission. Automatics cost more because they have more parts and the Elio is no different. They must add servos for the clutch and shifting as well as a TCU to control it. I did notice a claim that the AMT can get better overall mileage than the manual but for me that takes the fun out of driving. I can drive it like I stole it and still get 50-60 MPG !

 

[BADBOY]

I get to drive a lot more and pay less..makes retirement even better. Nice spring in 2016, my windows down..some Carlos Santana on the radio. Might just throw one of the small jam boxes in the cargo area for the CD. "My Spanish Harlem senorita!"