[Cptnslo]

Interesting BestCar article on impressions of the prototype 8-speed A/T “DAT” (Direct Automatic Transmission) being developed for the GR Yaris… and presumably also the GR Corolla and any other vehicle that will get the G16E-GTS engine and/or the GR-Four AWD system.

View this link in the Google Chrome browser for its auto-translate function:

GRヤリスの新兵器!! モリゾウさんが本気で開発を後押しする新開発「DAT（8AT）」が凄かった!!! - 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」

 

[Jeonsa]

I think this is good news. Our cars will be around for some time.

This goes with what David Chao said a year ago about the auto transmission coming a year or 2 after launch.

 

[Whizard]

Will definitely wait for the automatic

 

[HatchbackEnthusiast]

Definitely cool if this comes to fruition, I'll still spring for the stick but the more cars the merrier. Need that volume for the aftermarket to really take off.

 

[AE86Guy]

This is super cool. I was hopeful that AT would be available at launch but I’m glad I’m close to the front of the line for an MT.

I’m weary because Toyota ATs have historically been absolute slush boxes, even in the newest more “performance” oriented Lexuses. Just old torque converter laziness.

If they manage to crank out something comparable to a DCT, DSG, or the ZF it would be great but I’m not going to hold my breath. Until then, I’ll drive the MT. If they nail it, I’ll trade in or sell and buy.

Wish this article had more technical info instead of just “wow it’s fun and easy to drive” lol.

 

[Whizard]

This is super cool. I was hopeful that AT would be available at launch but I’m glad I’m close to the front of the line for an MT.

I’m weary because Toyota ATs have historically been absolute slush boxes, even in the newest more “performance” oriented Lexuses. Just old torque converter laziness.

If they manage to crank out something comparable to a DCT, DSG, or the ZF it would be great but I’m not going to hold my breath. Until then, I’ll drive the MT. If they nail it, I’ll trade in or sell and buy.

Wish this article had more technical info instead of just “wow it’s fun and easy to drive” lol.

ISF would like a word.

 

[AE86Guy]

ISF would like a word.

Driven them. It’s definitely the best Toyota has to offer but is still behind the modern competition. I understand the Toyota ethos is “don’t run it until we’re absolutely sure it’s bulletproof” but the fast autos have been out for awhile now so I’m hoping this 8spd is Toyotas take on a ZF.

If we’re lucky Toyota will have copied BMWs homework from the Supra/Z4 twin

 

[Whizard]

Driven them. It’s definitely the best Toyota has to offer but is still behind the modern competition. I understand the Toyota ethos is “don’t run it until we’re absolutely sure it’s bulletproof” but the fast autos have been out for awhile now so I’m hoping this 8spd is Toyotas take on a ZF.

If we’re lucky Toyota will have copied BMWs homework from the Supra/Z4 twin

Agreed. The transmission was really good when it came out. We need something better for the Corolla.

 

[Jeonsa]

Driven them. It’s definitely the best Toyota has to offer but is still behind the modern competition. I understand the Toyota ethos is “don’t run it until we’re absolutely sure it’s bulletproof” but the fast autos have been out for awhile now so I’m hoping this 8spd is Toyotas take on a ZF.

If we’re lucky Toyota will have copied BMWs homework from the Supra/Z4 twin

It’s weird because you have to be accelerating for fast/smooth shifts, but around town it feels clunky. It adds character but yeah, not as refined.

 

[KanmuriDavid]

I am one of the few that isn't sentimental about automatic versus manual transmissions. I see the benefit to both. If it produces the lap time, I think it is a great option to have. Modern automatics will almost certainly be faster.

As some stated above, Toyota transmissions typically aren't designed with spirited driving in mind. They aren't bad, but they aren't stellar either.

Before 2010, the automatic transmissions were known for being slush boxes. They improved greatly in the 2010s, but they still struggle in certain situations. Generally my experience is they are great on upshifts and take time to process on downshifts.

That being said, we're talking about fractions of a second. However, that split second lag makes a big difference on shifting feel and driver confidence. I hope Toyota does bring a solid transmission akin to the Porsche's PDK.

 

[ryno9100]

I am one of the few that isn't sentimental about automatic versus manual transmissions. I see the benefit to both. If it produces the lap time, I think it is a great option to have. Modern automatics will almost certainly be faster.

As some stated above, Toyota transmissions typically aren't designed with spirited driving in mind. They aren't bad, but they aren't stellar either.

Before 2010, the automatic transmissions were known for being slush boxes. They improved greatly in the 2010s, but they still struggle in certain situations. Generally my experience is they are great on upshifts and take time to process on downshifts.

That being said, we're talking about fractions of a second. However, that split second lag makes a big difference on shifting feel and driver confidence. I hope Toyota does bring a solid transmission akin to the Porsche's PDK.

I'm with you on this. I don't think an auto GRC is strictly a bad thing. I'd never buy one, but I'd rather have more cars on the market for a better aftermarket than be able to wave the 'exclusivity' card. And this comes from a proud member of the Manual Elitist Jerk facebook page. Lol

I thought the one they were working on for the GRC was a CVT though. Which, if they can solve the taking off issue, and they somewhat have with the "2 speed CVT" on the Japanese Yaris, I think it could make for an awesome auto.

 

[Ari Speed]

I hope they got the automatic to perform and behave really well with all that development and testing in rallying. If they tune it correctly, they can get the car to launch of the line really quickly and cleanly. At least make it faster than the manual lol.

 

[AE86Guy]

I think the AT being "faster" is practically a given at this point. The real question is is it "more fun / engaging to drive". Some modern autos are so good (looking at you PDK) they actually add to the driving experience but its a very fine line.

 

[citrus]

The 10spd in the LC felt pretty good when I drove it. I think it would've been easy for Toyota to start there and just lop off a few gears from the top.

 

[SpaceFolding]

I'm one of those weirdos following the development of this GR 8 speed, it brings me confidence to see further news on this.

From Google translate:

The next page is: DAT (Direct Automatic) can be enjoyed by women and handicapped people, expanding the possibilities

Yep I'm going to hell for cracking up at this