what is this feature?, steer shift-matic? Options

[azian_advanced]

I was just browsing at some different toyota steering wheels to get and came across this one.. this is off a 2004 JDM MR-S.. is this what i think it is?
a tiptronic type automatic shifting at the steering wheel like on some porsche's and ferrari's?
if so then i'm amazed!
when did toyota have such a feature?! or am i just way behind in toyota's technology.... or the fact that we don't have MR-S's here in canada.





This post has been edited by azian_advanced: Sep 20, 2006 - 5:41 PM

[phonex98]

haha.. thats funny you brough it up. I was trying to waste time today and while browsing the internet i read this page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MR2

MR2 S FTW!

[southwest2118]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MR2-Ferrari355.jpg thats bad ass

[azian_advanced]

thanks for the link... i've found my answer near the bottom of the article

The 138 hp (104 kW) maximum power was quite a drop from the SW20 GT, but thanks to the lightness of the car it could move quite quickly, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 to 8.3 s depending on the transmission option, the Sequential Manual being unable to launch and shift as quickly as the clutch operated manual. The car only weighs 975kg(2150lbs) with the 5 speed manual or 997kg(2200lbs) with the SMT, making this model MR2 the lightest of the MR2 series. In addition to the 5-speed manual transmission, a 5-Speed or 6 speed Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT) controllable from 2 pairs of buttons on the steering wheel was also available. SMT is standard feature in Australian market, however air conditioning was optional. After 2003, a 6-speed SMT was an option.

Unlike Tiptronic or Semi-automatic transmission, SMT is a computer controlled clutch mechanism on a manual transmission using hydraulic actuators. When the driver enters the car, hydraulic actuator pressurising can be heard. The car behaves just like shifting gears with a common manual gearbox while the clutch and the throttle work is computer controlled. It features some smart logics to help the driver. It automatically shifts down to 1st gear when the car slows down to stop. The car engages into neutral when brake is not applied for more than 90 seconds. Warning beeps can be heard when the gear you are in is too high for the speed. The car will not start unless brake is applied while in neutral. You should be in a gear to avoid the car rolling when parked, just like a manual car. The car is much fun and easy to drive with a little chance of making a mistake.