The INVECS-II automatic transmission simultaneously provides driving pleasure and operational economy. It is the first 5-speed automatic transmission to be used on an
FF-type vehicle in the world. Its acceleration and running characteristics are reliable and superior.
1st gear is the low range to be used when power is required. 5th gear is the high range and provides optimum fuel economy and quietness of operation. The other gears
allow vehicle operation in response to existing road conditions or driver preferences and style.
When the INVECS-II is used in the automatic mode, all shifting decisions are made by the on-board computer. This permits safe and easy driving.
The same computer exercises control over the engine during shifting to provide the highest possible shifting quality.
For enhanced driving pleasure, the INVECS-II has a sports mode that allows the driver to take control of shifting decisions. The transmission may be used either in the
easy to drive automatic mode or the active shifting sports mode.
Sports Mode
When the selector lever is moved to the manual gate at the left of the D range, manual gear selection becomes possible. Unlike a standard manual transmission, accelerator
pedal release and clutch pedal depression is not required. Shift response is very fast. Shifts can be easily made between non-adjacent gears (i.e., from 5th to 3rd or from
2nd to 4th). Downshifting allows the driver to take advantage of the engine braking power for speed reduction and speed control on long downward slopes. Optimum vehicle
acceleration is possible. On snowy or icy road surfaces, 1st and 2nd gears can be used to provide maximum traction and safety. There is no need to look at the selector
lever to determine the current gear. This information appears on the meter panel in front of the driver.