I've seen the term "variable automatic transmission" listed on some newer civics.

Does that mean it doesn't switch through gears? Just one gear in like a cone that just.... wtf... I don't know.

 

called "CVT" for continuously variable transmission.

this kinda explains how it works, but you've got the jist of it.

http://www.andersoncvt.com/howitworks.html

 

yep that is one type.

the new minis auto tranny is a CVT but they actually programmed 6 steps so it feels like it has 6 gears. or you just put it in automode and it will vary the gearing as required. I test drove one and it works very well, it is funny/odd looking at the tach go up immediately and just stay at the same rpm

 

Yea! CVT. That's what I meant but forgot.

Interesting... kinda suprised I got that close to the description of it.

Thanks.

 

Isn't the Murano a CVT too.

 

hmm, could they do something like that for manual trannies? Just like a lever that pushes forward or backward.... :thinking:

 

no that's different, that's sequential trannies

BMW/Ferrari (and Toyota MR2 sort of) has such tranny available in some models.

you can use either the lever forward or backwards or use the paddles behind the steerting wheel (not sure if the MR2 has those or not)

 

so is that kinda what SMG is for BMW? Sounds like it has a similar premise...

 

SMG = Sequential M (manual) Gearbox

yes if you mean sequential gearbox, no if you mean CVT

just remembered Audi (on the A4) also has a nice CVT unit.

 

is there any tests/studies that show the long-term reliability of these trannies? that lil chain just doesnt look like it can hold for too long. maybe those chains should be changed at the same intervals as the timing chain:thinking: