The electronic automatic transmission is
hydraulically controlled by a hydrodynamic torque converter with
controlled lock.The driver can choose to drive the car with
the transmission working in fully automatic mode or switch to sequential
manual mode, when the car can be driven in a more sporty manner
in conditions (fast driving over mixed routes with bends and continual
gradient changes) where a fully automatic transmission would not
make the most of the car's qualities.When the lever is positioned to the left
of the normal selection channel, the transmission is set to engage
top or bottom gear and sends a forward or backward command to the
gear knob.Naturally gear changes only take place if
the engine rpm so permit; when the vehicle is stopped, the gearbox
changes automatically to first gear.The automatic transmission is controlled
by an electronic control unit that computes the most suitable gear
ratio and converter lock condition from signals sent in by the injection system
(rpm, fuel injection, throttle position and coolant temperature)
and transmission sensors (turbine rpm, car speed and transmission
temperature) in order to send controls to the solenoid unit.