So I wrote off an email to Mazda NA requesting a clutchless manual as a replacement for the automatic rx8. That way they can use the same engine in both models (thus saving production costs). The clutchless manual would act like the tiptronic shifting automatic right now but would allow higher rpms and in the end would be faster at shifting than using a stick. Just something I'd like to have so I can switch to automatic to relax while driving in rush hour. Here's the email I sent off:

 

I'm willing to bet that cost to make a low and high power engine isn't that different. Mazda will save a load of money by harmonizing the transmission choice and go with only cluthcless manuals.

Hold your horses, the SMG is coming. I've read indication that you should expect something in 2006.

 

A 6-speed sequential manual gearbox will come standard on the the 3-rotor RX-8.

 

I'm pretty sure you still want a clutch. You just want the computer to control it and the shifters, like Ferrari F1, BMW SMG, etc. transmissions.

Anyway - Mazda IS bringing two new transmissions for the 2006 model year. A 5 speed auto that will handle the revs and power of the high-power engine (thus bye-bye low-power engine in North America), as well as a 6 speed SMG, the regular 6 speed manual will continue to be available.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Is that a promise Gord?

-P23

 

In 2006 and 2007 you will see alot of echancements on the RX-8. (as well as mazda 6 n mazda 3 ).... when mazda strikes they strike hard... lol...

I would prefer a SMG over a slush box... its fast and you can chill back...

 

If you're really impatient, you can get a Hewland or XTRAC sequential for at least $15,000.

I like the idea of an SMG-type transmission. Maybe now my dad would be able to drive my car .

 

Only if they make it like an 8 speed and make the ratios closer.

 

It's what a very solid inside source told me almost a year ago!

Inasmuch as product development timetables can vary depending on engineering objectives and budget revisions, it's pretty solid.

Regards,
Gordon

 

lol, we wish.

 

The fun is in the shifting!! If you want an auto....buy a towncar. My buddy in the UK has an SMG equipped M3...I drove it last month......ah, gimme a 6 speed anytime. Let the games begin!!!!

 

Well with one clutchless manual it can achieve shifts within 15ms. I don't know about you but I doubt I can hit that every time (or even once). I like the idea of using shifting paddles ala F1 racing. Full performance of a stick but with both hands on the wheel.

So if it's true that it's going to come out in '06 that brings up a dellemia for me. I really want to have an 8 now but I would enjoy the car so much more with one of those 6 speed SMG (assuming it's a type 2 we're talking about). Maybe I'll but a used 3000GT to toy with for a year and then upgrade to a rx8. *sigh*

 

seriously zelig....i'm in the exact same situation. I want an 8 now! but my life's so up in the air that I better hold off for another year until I figure out my life's direction...and maybe an SMG will be available by then!

-P23

 

I wonder if I can arrange something at the dealership so that I could buy an '05 rx8 now and then in '06 when/if the SMG type arrives (maybe the FI system will be implemented by that point) they would allow me to trade in my 05 for an 06 (With a bit of a penalty I assume). Maybe I'll talk to them this week about that idea.

 

Just do a 1 year lease on an '05 or a 18 month or 2 year lease on an '04. That's the best deal you could get, especially with the discounts and incentives on the '04 right now.

By the way, it's still NOT a CLUTCHLESS manual!!! There most definitely IS A CLUTCH in the system you aspire to own. It is controlled by the computer rather than your left foot. If you doubt this, ask the Ferrari owners who are paying $8K for a clutch replacement every 10K miles...

Regards,
Gordon

 

Yeah, the term is clutch PEDALLESS manual. If pedalless was a real word...

 

I know there's a clutch in it. It's just a term I've heard used out there. It refers just to how there's no clutch pedal.

 

If you are talking about a tiptronic or shiftronic transmission, its not a manual its an automatic still, and the reason the automatic has less power is because it won't be durable with that high of RPM's. So it would still be the same thing. Doesn't the automatic RX-8 have a manual shift mode anyways?

 

Damn, everyone wants more. Should the 8 take the same path as the 7. We start a with a ground breaking fantastic machine for a very reasonable price, and end up several years later with a top of the line (very expensive machine that less than .5% of the population can afford). Maybe as long as Mazda learns to offer choices. Keep the base 8 low priced 25-26k for both M and A. Then offer upgrades from the current 33k to 80k to accomodate the people that want FI for 600+ hp and SMG.

 

Icemastr, I'm not talking about tiptronic shifting. You're right in that it's still an automatic. What I'm talking about is something like what BMW has with their SMG. It still has a clutch but you don't have a pedal. It has a computer controlled hydrolic actuator that can shift gears at a very fast speed.

The thing about sequential shifting is that it's not very expensive to make/install/develop. It's probably cheaper than an automatic transmision. In the basic sense you still have your normal clutch w/ flywheel but you just add the hydrolic actuator with a small microprocessor. I'd easily pay an extra grand to have it for an 8.