CVTs Expected to More Than Double by 2016
Frequently thought of as a boring alternative to an automatic transmission, usage of the the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is expected to more than double by 2016.
Thanks in no small part to Nissan’s implementation of the fuel efficient, yet soulless transmissions, the CVT seems to be gaining new found legitimacy among consumers more concerned with fuel efficiency than actual driving performance. According to IHS Automotive, fewer than one percent of cars in 2005 had a CVT, but by 2010 that number had jumped to seven percent. Furthermore, the firm predicts that 16 percent of cars will use the gearless systems by 2016.
Its 2013 Altima sedan, for example, will use a standard-equipment CVT with simulated shifts to offer improved fuel economy. Drivers that look at a car purely as a means of transit probably won’t blink as the bland systems are integrated into more and more cars, but that’s not the way most driving enthusiasts feel.
From the noise they make under hard acceleration to the completely unspirited driving feel, there’s more fun in stretching chewed gum than driving cars with CVTs. That’s because they can adjust infinitely to an engine’s torque — something that help fuel mileage but kills the feeling of driving fun.
Among the other automakers getting excited about selling cars with CVT technology, the Honda Accord is both expected to follow in the Nissan Altima’s tracks in order to remain competitive, something the Toyota Corolla will do as well.
[Source: Automotive News]
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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This person obviously hasn't researched how CVT's are getting better. The improvements will add a lot to the driving pleasure of the vehicles their in, and will be even more efficient than previous CVT's.
CVTs are pure junk. They suck big time. You can't accelerate. They are noisy, unreliable, and have poor resale value. I'd rather have an old fashion 3 speed auto. Nissan and Honda are becoming junk automakers. I'll buy a truckbefore I buy a car with ajunk CVT.Ford was smart and got rid of their CVTs in non-hybrids. I hope Toyota just keeps them on small cars and hybrids. The 6 speed auto in my Camry is so nice to drive compared to the junk Altima.