2009 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 157

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Recommendations for shifting Upshifting For normal acceleration, we recommend these shift points. Gear M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 M4 to M5 M5 to M6 For cruising Gear M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 M4 to M5 M5 to M6 Vehicle speed 5 km/h (3 mph) 30 km/h (19 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph) 67 km/h (42 mph) Vehicle speed 19 km/h (12 mph) 35 km/h (22 mph) 47 km/h (29 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph) 78 km/h (49 mph) 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. l The vehicle is stopped or moving at a slow speed. 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. Direct mode indicator Gear position indicator 5-19