QBallz

I think the main thing that makes the AT so damn slow is that it never actually hits peak HP....

Horsepower, SAE net 212 @ 7,500
Torque, SAE net (lb./ft.) 159 @ 5,500
Redline 7500

RotaryP7

God, this thread will never stop.. lol..

6spdAT fo' lyfe!

cjkim

if you want to believe the people who BUILD the car, you might wanna try mazda Japan, not Irvine.

here's some readup you'll find useful
Press release:

Mazda Begins Sales of Upgraded RX-8

- The addition of the 6-speed Activematic automatic transmission model and Sand Beige Leather Package enhances its sports car performance and overall quality inside and out -

HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded its four-door, four-seat, rotary engine-equipped RX-8 sports car, which is to be sold at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Mazda is commencing sales of the 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission models and accepting orders for the new 6-speed automatic transmission (AT) version from today. The 6-speed AT RX-8 goes on sale in mid-October 2006.

Mazda RX-8 Type E with Sand Beige Leather Package (6-speed AT)

Since sales began in April 2003, the RX-8 has received widespread acclaim as a unique sports car powered by a rotary engine, in which four adults can ride comfortably.

The newly-adopted 6-speed AT model delivers reassuringly smooth acceleration and improved noise reduction at high speeds. In addition, a 6-port design of its rotary engine--2 ports more than the prior model--improves the intake efficiency, and the newly-added Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control raises the ride quality and enjoyment of driving a sports car.

Additionally, new accessories improve the vehicle's quality feel. For its exterior and interior, Mazda has introduced the "Sand Beige Leather Package" to the Type S and Type E models. The exterior features two new body colors, with a stark blue "Stormy Blue Mica" and radiant white "Crystal White Pearl Mica" having been added to the body color range to further emphasize the RX-8's sporty pedigree and reputation for quality.

The monthly sales target for the upgraded RX-8 is set at 600 units a month.

Main features of the upgraded RX-8
Advancements to the AT models:

6-speed automatic transmission
The adoption of the 6-speed AT, increased by two speeds over the base 4-speed, enabled the overall gear ratio range to be widened and the gaps between each gear to be reduced to achieve a better close ratio. This results in a more powerful, smoother acceleration and reduces shift shock, while improving noise reduction at high speeds and increasing fuel efficiency.

Adoption of the 6-port engine
The 6-port engine that up to now has only been used in the RX-8 Type S (6-speed manual transmission model) has been adopted for the 6-speed automatic transmission version, which until now mounted only a 4-port engine. This development pushes up the power output by increasing intake efficiency as well as further enhancing the torque produced at high revs--one of the special features of the rotary engine.

Advanced AAS (Active Adaptive Shift)
The AAS function optimizes transmission shift points based on driver input using data from various sensors (for example, in the accelerator and brake pedals) and vehicle handling (rate of acceleration, cornering etc), and this function has been further advanced in the upgraded RX-8. Accordingly, the AAS helps enhance the vehicle's performance whether it is being driven in a relaxed way or more aggressively.

Interior/exterior upgrades
Sand Beige Leather Package
The following factory-installed options are available on the Type S and Type E models and improve its quality and sporty image:

* Sand beige-colored leather upholstery (with 8-way power adjustable seats and power adjustable lumber support) with door trims coordinated to suit.
* Leather steering wheel trim (2-piece type; the base model has the 4-piece type as standard).
* A leather-wrapped parking brake handle.
* Advanced keyless entry & starter system with two advanced keys.
* Water repellent glass coating (windshield glass, front door glasses, and door mirrors).
* 225/45R 18-inch tires and alloy wheels. (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)
* Front fog lights (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)
* Aluminum pedals (These are special equipment for the 6-speed AT, but are standard equipment on the MT model.)

Body colors
Two sporty and high-quality body colors, "Stormy Blue Mica" and, "Crystal White Pearl Mica" have been added. There are now a total of eight colors for customers to choose from.

nuff' said.

mdw1000

I have a 4AT and my opinion is that the main thing that makes it slow is the tall gearing, and of course the lower red line. I believe I've read that the 4 port motor actually makes more power down low than the 6 port.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

thats true - but there is not much in it .

jordanjerome

well the other factors to add is as well is the fact that the AT does not have the carbon fiber driveshaft that the MT has and I think it has a different intake, not meaning the ports either. I took one for a test drive and it not only felt a lot different but sounded different too.

RotaryP7

Nice find cjkim.

I've been on both MT & AT (jordanjerome). The only reason why it sounds different is because the higher revs when shifting and getting up to 4-5K's. When in AT, it really shifts at around 2-3 RPM's. Making the ride sound smooth. Switch it to manual mode on the AT. Sounds similar.

sosonic

If you are to do anything "serious" with an AT from 0-60 or 1/4 mile than you should (TOP 3):

1. Switch to manual mode and manually shift your AT (takes a bit of practice, but will improve times somewhat).

2. Get an ATF cooler and use redline AT fluid or royal purple AF fluid (highly recommended for any AT)

3. Get your rev limit cut via Re-Amemiya flash, RB flash, or buying an Int-X
Note- Can get expensive, so Agency pulley, breather mod, air filter, or CAI might be considered first.

Other stuff (you don't have to do it, but may help):

. Change to higher performance air filter- like R Magic Triple Piper Cleaner (Air filter), etc...

. Change to CAI or Ram air intake like Racing Beat Air Intake/duct or Odula ram air duct

. Agency Power Pulley (cheap mod)

. Consider the breather mod (cheap mod)-
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=breather
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...reather+filter
(nice pics by mysql101... This should correct the "breathing dirty air and gunk ) problem" of various RX-8s and give a faster and more consistent response.

OR New Exhaust (the expense and choices puts its in a class by itself)
Note- Have to think about if you are going FI or staying NA.


OR go FI (damn expensive)

. Supercharger- AFSC or Pettit, but not out yet.

. Mazsport Turbo


4AT versus 6AT:

I don't think there is much of a difference in 0-60. Any HP difference depends on the country where the RX-8 is sold. There is virtually no difference between 4AT and 6AT in Japan.

Would like to see a video though.

Too bad no 4ATs have raced a 6AT

jordanjerome

Hey about the AT cooler, where can a person get one. And as for the RB reflash, I called them and they said that they do not have one for the AT yet. I dont even know if they are going to make one. I looked at the INT-x and I could not find the AT one. Maybe I was not looking hard enough.

therm8

Both cars use the same one, only the map changes and probably the wiring harness.

Galen Darkmoon

06 is faster the 04 will break down j/k

sosonic

Re-Amemiya will 100% do ATs. So will R-magic too, but they are also in Japan. Go to Re-Amemiya's website and contact the (english order e-mail). Will cost you though... actually anything RE-Amemiya will usually cost you...

You can check with Racing Beat (via e-mail or call) and you can find out more details about the Int-X.