I just got finished combing thru the various automatic threads and this didn't really seem to come up.

Exacty 'which' auto did Mazda put in the '8? Is it just a standard Mazda slushbox right out of the parts bin - shared w/ other Mazdas? Or is there ANYTHING special about this automatic. It forced a compromise in the Renesis. But did they do ANYTHING to the automatic to better set it up for the Rx8. Maybe just something minor like a change in ratios?

Is there a model # or other designation for this automatic? Does anybody know much about it's service history or general reputation or ruggedness or serviceability? I presume this is not brand new like the Renesis so in thoery it should be a known unit.

Thanks for any info! (yes, it's a shame they couldn't mate this engine to a state of the art automatic... oh well, any rumours of that changing in the future?)

 

Rumours? Yup! I have previously posted that a very reliable source told me that Mazda is working on a 5 speed auto and a 6 speed semi-auto sequential transmission, both due to be introduced by or before the 2006 model year in the RX-8. The 5 speed auto will replace the current 4 speed auto, and both of these new transmissions will be able to handle the 9K redline and higher output of the High-power version of the Renesis (unlike the 7K-rpm limited current 4 speed auto).

Regards,
Gordon

 

It would be nice to have an auto that shifts closer to the RPM sweet spot . I am looking forward to my new 06 RX-8 A/T.:D

 

I'm disappointed the car is even put out in an auto. When the Maza folks began limiting the car for an automic transmission, someone should said hey...let's just scrap the auto.

 

Why do you even care? Are you embarrassed that it will out run your RX-7 vert.:D J/K I once had a silver 88 RX-7 vert . nice car.