THE MR2 uses a sequential type manual transmission. The lever is pushed forward to change down and pulled back to change up. Gears can be shifted using either a short-throw gear lever or E-shift buttons on the steering wheel. Although there is no clutch pedal, the five-speed gearbox is a manual transmission. The clutch operation has simply been automated. Engine start is only permitted when the brake pedal is depressed and the shift lever is in neutral. The transmission ECU controls the clutch change, even closing the throttle momentarily during an up change if the driver's foot is flat to the floor. The ECU also blips the throttle on a downchange to match engine and road speed.