Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
15 Jun, 2006
2 Comments 
A continuously variable (automatic) transmission uses drive belts in order to transmit torque and allows for various stepless ratios. In otherwords there are more gear ratios than your ordinary automatic transmission. One of the more interesting features of the system is that it often emulates the traditional feel of an abrupt gear change, paticularily at low speeds. This is due to the fact that most drivers expect the sudden jerks while a smooth transmission might appear to show a lack of power!
There are many different types of CVTs:
- Variable-diameter pulley (VDP)
- Roller-based CVT also known as Traction CVT, Extroid CVT, or IVT
- Hydrostatic CVT
- Electronically-controlled CVT
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August 30th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
[…] With a 1.5L MIVEC engine (Mitsubishi’s revered Lancer Evolution 1X uses this same technology) matted to their Continuously Variable Transmission or INVECS 111 CVT as it’s known, the Colt VRX has plenty of go whenever you plant the right foot. That said, driving this car with a CVT Auto is a little strange at first, as there are no actual gear changes, given that there’s no actual gearbox! A bunch of pulleys and belts have replaced the gears. The real beauty of this transmission type is that drivers are rewarded with smooth and progressive acceleration with better than average fuel economy. While I had this car, I took the opportunity to drive the GETRAG 5-speed manual version and can happily report that the CVT was easily the more responsive drive. (For those of you who are unsure about the CVT transmission, don’t be. This technology has been around for a while. The famous Dutch truck company D.A.F produced small cars in the late 1950’s with their version called “Variomatic” transmission. Other versions of the CVT are currently employed by many car companies including Audi, Honda, Nissan and Mercedes Benz due to their performance and fuel saving characteristics). For more information, you can check out Car Advice’s entry for CVT […]
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May 14th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
How will a CVT operate with a synthetic transmission oil? Will it be of any advantage over regular transmission fluid?
How will a do it yourself person be able to change over to synthetic fluid? Thanks, Ed
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