How CVT Works
Many Nissan cars and cars of other makes utilize CVT technology. CVT is short for continuous variable transmission. While each manufacturer may have their own take on the CVT, the way the CVT works is essentially the same.
The concept of the CVT transmission is this: the CVT changes the diameter of the two primary pulleys that are used in the transmission system on an ongoing basis, allowing the engine to run in a more efficient manner.
A CVT transmission has pulleys. Those pulleys have grooves shaped like a “V.” A connecting belt sits in these grooves. A hydraulic cylinder can move one side of the pulley, while the other side is fixed. When the CVT actuates, the cylinder is reduces or increases the space between each side of the pulley. Thus, the belt can ride low or high on the pulley walls, which in turn changes the ration of the gears. It does this with a near-infinite variety of ratios, and doesn’t therefore have any steps in between the ratios. A traditional transmission will have four or five steps, depending on how many gears it has. The lack of steps allows the engine to stay optimized, in terms of power. This makes the engine much more efficient.
More and more manufacturers will look to CVT technology as a solution the high price of gas. While the CVT transmission doesn’t solve the problem of gas consumption completely, it is one step along the way to finding a good solution. When used along with hybrid technology, CVT can make a significant difference in fuel efficiency.
If you’re interested in test-driving a Nissan car with a CVT transmission, come on in to our Nissan dealer today and see what we’ve got in the way of fuel-efficient CVT vehicles. Nissan has been at the forefront of CVT technology, and over one million CVT vehicles are sold at Nissan dealers every year.
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