Mazda 2010 RX-8 - Manual (Page 161)

Black plate (161,1)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6
→M5
60 km/h (37 mph)
M5
→M4
40 km/h (24 mph)
M4
→M3
26 km/h (16 mph)
M3 →M2 18 km/h (11 mph)
M2
→M1
15 km/h (9 mph)
NOTE
The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6
→M5
210 km/h (130 mph)
M6
→M4
175 km/h (108 mph)
M5
→M4
175 km/h (108 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 19 km/h (12 mph)
M2 to M3 35 km/h (22 mph)
M3 to M4 47 km/h (29 mph)
M4 to M5 58 km/h (36 mph)
M5 to M6 78 km/h (49 mph)
For cruising
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 5 km/h (3 mph)
M2 to M3 30 km/h (19 mph)
M3 to M4 40 km/h (25 mph)
M4 to M5 50 km/h (31 mph)
M5 to M6 67 km/h (42 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.
qDirect Mode
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
l The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed.
l The needle in the tachometer
approaches the red zone.
l The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed and the accelerator pedal is
heavily depressed.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-19
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page161
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:33 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E