So anyone heard anything about a 5 speed Automatic releasing soon??

I really want to get this car but 4 speed AT is just not right.

 

2nd gear goes up to something near 70mph!!! When I found out how tall 2nd was, I was QUITE surprised & disappointed...

when bombing down mountain roads, can't be in first & not in the power band while in 2nd....

 

The tiptronic lets you start from 0mph in 2nd gear. I do notrecommend anyone trying that. It takes like 11 seconds to get to 60 if you do that.

 

no complaints here with my AT, zoom zoom!!

 

I've posted this information pretty often - Mazda is developing a 5 speed automatic for the RX-8, 2006 model year. Unlike the current 4 speed AT, it will be able to handle the full power version of the Renesis with the high redline (ie 238 hp, 9K rpm). At the same time (ie 2006 model year), they will also introduce a 6 speed SMG.

Many of us would agree - so why not just get the 6 speed MT??

Regards,
Gordon

 

Yes, I've been at 70 in 2nd.

 

i want a 5mt. six gears is practically pointless and translate into extra strain on the clutch. as great as the shifter feels, i miss my supras 5 speed!

 

4 gears is fine for me. on the IS300, the 5 speed automatic starts on 2nd gear in tiptronic mode so its the same amount of gears between both. i like the fact that we get to start on 1st gear in tiptronic mode on the RX-8