Many modern vehicles are equipped with automatic manual transmissions, which might seem like a novelty for those unfamiliar with cars. You may wonder what an 8-speed automatic manual transmission means. Today, let's explain and guide you on how to drive an 8-speed automatic manual car!
What Is an Automatic Manual Transmission?
An automatic manual transmission is essentially a traditional AT (automatic transmission) or CVT (continuously variable transmission) with the added functionality of manual shifting. The purpose of this design is to enhance driving enjoyment in automatic cars while also improving fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic conditions. Cars with this feature usually have gear positions labeled S+, S-, or D+, D-, indicating the presence of an automatic manual transmission. The "8-speed" designation means the transmission has eight forward gears.
How to Drive an 8-Speed Automatic Manual Car
The operation of an automatic manual transmission is very similar to that of a regular automatic car. However, the D (Drive) position offers an additional manual mode. Typically, moving the gear lever to the right activates manual mode. In this mode, the transmission won't shift gears automatically.
To shift gears manually:
Upshift: Push the lever up (or forward).
Downshift: Pull the lever down (or backward).
This resembles the operation of a sequential transmission. For cars equipped with paddle shifters, you can also use the paddles behind the steering wheel to shift up or down.
Advantages of Automatic Manual Transmissions
Fuel Efficiency:
Automatic transmissions prioritize comfort and usually shift gears based on a fixed logic, which may not always be the most fuel-efficient. By using manual mode, you can better control the engine's RPM during gear changes, improving fuel economy.
Enhanced Performance:
For quicker acceleration, you can use manual mode to keep the RPM higher before shifting gears, maximizing the car's power output during speed-ups.
An automatic manual transmission combines the ease of automatic driving with the engagement of manual gear shifting, making it an excellent choice for both fuel-conscious and performance-focused drivers.
