WHERE all other models offer a five-speed manual transmission as standard, the Ultima goes it alone with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic with a "super-flow" torque converter and engine torque compensator (during gear changes). Codenamed A245E, the auto is matched to a shorter final drive ratio (now 2.962:1) than the previous model for improved step-off and acceleration. Ratios are: 3.643 first, 2.008 second, 1.296 third, 0.892 fourth and 2.977 reverse.