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Eagle Vision TSi tackles dual shift mode with new Autostick
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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As roads glazed with the arrival of one of winter's slippery miseries, the test car appeared at precisely the right moment to perform agile maneuvers through the mess.
It had the right components for winter motoring, plus one new facet: Front wheel drive, rack and pinion steering, independent suspension, more than adequate horsepower from a stout V6 engine, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, plus sticky 16-inch R-rated 225 Michelin tires mounted on aluminum wheels.
As for the new feature, it packed the Autostick.
Autostick?
Think of this as a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission combined in one console-mounted lever with a clutchless shift-it-yourself manual stick.
Two transmissions in one is what this car carries in clever arrangement which allows the driver to move from full automatic to selective shift, gear by gear.
With that slick stuff covering the streets, Autostick made my car a dream machine for moving steadily, and sometimes I would start off the line in third gear to avoid rapid torque on pavement, or with subtle down-shifts that negate having to apply brakes on ice.
The Autostick appears as the newest invention for Vision TSi, top level of Eagle's flagship sports sedan.
For a driver who likes zippy power combined with precise maneuvering in a crisp and sporty manner, Vision brings big-car space and small-car action.
Add the Autostick and you'll also get a plaything for dry pavement that when roads get wet or slippery converts to handy tool for sure-footed control.
Vision's Autostick represents the first domestic application of a two-phased automatic shifter.
It works in an easy and uncomplicated manner.
Picture an automatic shift lever projecting upward from the center console adjacent to the driver's bucket. Notches and alphabetical symbols represent conventional shift positions, from Park to Reverse and Neutral to Drive.
Pull the lever to Drive position and Autostick behaves like any other electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic, going about the business of shifting without intruding.
But there's one lower rank to which you may shift, a bottom notch which then opens left and right like an inverted T to access the manual shift feature. When you pull the lever down to this notch, you may flick the stick to the right or left. Moving it once to the right shifts up one gear, while a move to the left shifts down to the next lower gear.
An electronic display tucked into the instrument panel informs you in which gear you're located.
Flick, flick, flick, and you'll shift upward through all gears, or vice-versa -- just like a manual, but you never need engage a clutch petal because there isn't one.
Autostick adds a new dimension of driving control to a car that was already precise and fun.
Vision, appearing in the 1996 editions as fourth interpretation of the original concept from 1993, represents the first cab-forward concept for the Eagle Division of Chrysler Corp.
Vision's platform stretches beyond normal conventions in wheelbase and width, as wheels move to corners of the rectangular plan. This wide track and long wheelbase produce a rigid machine in motion and, when linked to a spacious interior provide action as well as comfort.
Actually, Vision's wheelbase measures up to mid-size proportions, but the cabin volume moves the Eagle up to full-size status in federal standards.
Vision's passenger compartment fits five adults, with two up front in cloth-covered buckets and up to three in back on a wide bench that's contoured in the upgraded TSi.
With sharply raked windshield and a new monochromatic exterior color scheme, it also looks fast and sporty.
And it behaves like it looks.
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering requires little movement of steering wheel to turn this thing, and for stopping, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes combine with an anti-lock feature that's optional on Vision ESi but standard with TSi Autostick.
As for horsepower, TSi has it.
Chrysler's single-cam 3.5-liter V6, with four valves per cylinder and sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection, pumps up to 214 hp.
This is the engine that stocks new Autostick.
The entry engine, a 3.3-liter V6 with overhead valves, produces 161 hp for Vision ESi, then mates to Chrysler's electronically-controlled automatic 4-speed transmission.
For 1996 models, Vision gets on-board diagnostic equipment for each engine.
The base version also earns larger 16-inch wheels and tires to match the size of those on TSi.
While I had admired Vision's solid stance, the 1996 TSi with Autostick moves to a class of its own, thanks to the additional control brought with this clutchless shifter.
When roads cleared of winter's mess, we went out to play, this TSi and I.
On twisty mountain routes, it held fast around every corner, tires not protesting application of unnatural force.
Vision's independent suspension, reacting with weight shifts through each curve, stemmed unnecessary body roll and made this big sedan feel surprisingly flat in a pose that speaks of sporty flexibility.
Still, the ride quality measured parlor-smooth.
My favorite feature, by far, remains the new Autostick, but the available power feels impressive, and TSi also includes traction control among the standard gear.
The base Vision contains features usually provided only optionally, such as air conditioning, a tachometer included with the analog instruments, front console and a couple of cup holders, power windows, rear heat ducts and a rear window defroster.
1996 EAGLE VISION
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 EAGLE VISION TSI Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Model Options: |
Full-size sports sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
113.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
201.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
OHV 3.3-L V6 12v
SOHC 3.5-L V6 24v
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| Transmission: |
ESi: Auto/4
TSi: Auto/4 Autostick |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/opt. ABS
TSi: Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
3.3-L: 20/28 mpg
3.5-L: 18/26 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 19,750 to $ 24,350 |
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