This model is a dramatic improvement on the previous (2001) model I
owned. It handles like a dream and find it hard to believe it came from
the same factory as the last one I had.

This model is a Four speed auto and have noticed that after selecting
fourth gear, it drops another 500 rpm. Does this mean that the torque
convertor disengages at a given speed/rpm as it does on some of the
European cars. I once owned a 1995 Ford Modeo that did the same thing in
 third and fourth gear.