Economical and Affordable Green Automotive Technology

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