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This is from the 2002 9-5 model info page (follow link on bottom of this page). I think it might clarify what "adaptive" really means for the auto-box.
- Mel
Adaptive automatic reconfigures to changing conditions
The automatic constantly monitors its surroundings, adapting performance and shift points to the prevailing conditions. It "knows" when it's in a high-altitude environment for example, or if it's towing a trailer, and it responds accordingly. The transmission will also continue to monitor its own shift quality and will alter shift timings and patterns if it detects any change in its performance or in that of the engine. A high-speed CAN data bus provides the continuous flow of information between engine and transmission to enable this to happen.
"It keeps thinking all the time," explained Saab's powertrain expert, Bengt Wallin. "If the engine is less than perfect at high altitude where the air is less dense, then the gearbox will take care of it. And it continues to monitor its performance throughout the car's working life."
However, the new five-speed automatic transmission isn't driver-adaptive. That's up to the driver to control, with the choice of normal, sport, or winter settings. To choose the sport setting, the driver engages the "S" button located on top of the gearshift handle. In some other applications, the sport mode engages a closer set of ratios by moving the automatic's mapped shift points. Such a solution, though, would fail to optimize the strong mid-range performance that's characteristic of Saab's turbo engines.
Instead, Saab's engineers have engineered a similar result by using an alternative solution. The drive-by-wire throttle becomes more sensitive to the driver's foot pressure - effectively giving him another set of ratios, and providing a sportier response by concentrating the gearbox's best efforts on the engine's mid-range power.
In winter mode, which has a special shift pattern to suit slippery conditions, the engine starts in third gear to ensure a smooth take-off on icy surfaces, and to help minimize wheel spin.
posted by 198.6.208...
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