Mazda 2004 RX-8 Owner's Manual page 106

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 15 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM
Shifting specification
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Gear Vehicle speed
You can shift up to M2
M1→M2 whether the vehicle is
stopped or moving.
M2→M3 20 km/h (12 mph)
M3→M4 20 km/h (12 mph)
Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→M3 163 km/h (101 mph)
M3→M2 112 km/h (70 mph)
M2→M1 45 km/h (28 mph)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→M3 31 km/h (19 mph)
M3 or M2→M1 8 km/h (5 mph)
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven at a low speed
from a standing start while in M2, the
gear may not shift down to M1
automatically.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→M3 149 km/h (93 mph)
M4→M2 56 km/h (35 mph)
M3→M2 56 km/h (35 mph)
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Starting and Driving
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade , downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
M Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission
will shift to a lower gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually
accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
5-15