[E90076]

I guess I'm just a nerd and want to know. How is it that when accelerating from a stop, somewhat slowly, rpms in an auto can "hang" at the same rpm (i.e. around 3K) while the vehicle is still slightly accelerating?

I'm thinking its either must have to do with changing efficiencies in the torque converter before it locks up

and/or

Once the vehicle has gained a little speed from a stop, the power requirement is somewhat reduced due to the vehicle's inertia.

Not an engineer so its just a guess - any thoughts?