| Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there | | | | violent downshift, which also contributes to |
| are all kinds of alternative energy sources | | | | its superior acceleration. |
| on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, | | | | |
| usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the | | | | You may be wondering why this isn't in every |
| gas only version of that model. However, | | | | car if it is so great. Well, every year, |
| instead of changing fuel sources, some | | | | more vehicles in the American market add CVTs |
| automotive companies have been using a new | | | | as an option, though it has happened quietly, |
| type of transmission to improve fuel economy, | | | | as many people are leery of new technology, |
| lower emissions, and actually make vehicles | | | | especially in cars. |
| faster without adding to the sticker price. | | | | |
| | | | The CVT is actually quite old although it is |
| These companies are using a continuously | | | | new to American automobiles. The concept was |
| variable transmission (CVT) and instead of | | | | developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first |
| having set gear ratios (or gears), it | | | | patented in the late 1800's for industrial |
| constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as | | | | applications. The CVT has been used in Asian |
| engine performance, so that they both operate | | | | and European vehicles since the 1950's, but |
| at their most efficient level in any driving | | | | until recently CVTs could not handle the |
| scenario. | | | | power that American drivers demand from their |
| | | | cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use |
| Because these key components of the power | | | | in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where |
| train are at their peak performance at all | | | | they have a reputation for extending engine |
| times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and | | | | life and being much easier to rebuild than |
| carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%. | | | | either a manual or automatic step |
| | | | transmission. |
| Although these figures may not sound | | | | |
| impressive, the gas savings increase the | | | | So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped |
| highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 | | | | vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships |
| mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3 | | | | selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to |
| gallon. | | | | name a few, although a Nissan dealership may |
| | | | be the best place to go. In order to hit |
| The CVT's potential for reducing emissions is | | | | their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, |
| also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of | | | | they have installed CVTs in nearly every |
| Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his | | | | sedan in their lineup, including the best |
| goal of selling one million CVT equipped | | | | selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa |
| vehicles by the end of 2007 will have "the | | | | (as a side note, Nissan has also made side |
| same effect in terms of reducing CO2 | | | | curtain airbags standard in these models, |
| emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric | | | | improving safety and reducing insurance |
| vehicles." | | | | costs). |
| | | | |
| Since there is no shifting between fixed | | | | Although you may not have the budget for a |
| gears, there is no 'shift shock' or jerking | | | | hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that |
| sensation, which makes them exceptionally | | | | miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take |
| smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly | | | | it easy on the environment, as well as your |
| terrain since there is no 'gear hunting' or | | | | checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a |
| bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, | | | | CVT. |