Mazda rx-8 2005 Manual page 110

Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Manually shifting down
(M4→M3→M2→M1)
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead
to loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
NOTE
When driving at high speeds, the
l
gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
During deceleration, the gear may
l
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
When depressing the accelerator
l
fully, the transmission will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
5-14
To shift down to a lower gear with the
shift lever, tap the shift lever forward ( )
once.
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, press either of the
DOWN switches away from you once
with your thumb.
DOWN switches