CVT Benefits, Facts, and Video About How CVT Works

• Buffer
• Tweet

Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission

In 2002 Nissan was among the first automotive makers worldwide to include a continuously variable transmission in their passenger vehicles. Since then the engine building process has come a long way and Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission is still at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Unlike older automatic transmissions, which have a limited number of gears, a continuously variable transmission has no set gear ratio and does not rely on a gear wheel and teeth to move parts in the engine. Instead the CVT continuously adjusts gears by cycling a belt through two pulleys to seamlessly balance the ratio of torque from the engine with torque from the wheels.

Video on How Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission Works

The Benefits of CVT Technology

• A lighter engine with fewer moving parts
• Faster acceleration times
• A smoother ride
• Environmentally-friendly engines
• 8-10% better fuel economy

As those who understand the basics of mechanics know, a car’s acceleration is controlled by adjusting the ratio of torque between the engine and the wheels. Most traditional automatic transmissions produce what is known as ‘shift-shock’ while accelerating, a lurching phenomenon that occurs as the engine shifts from gear to gear, momentarily cutting off power between the engine and the wheels. Since the continuously variable transmission does not physically ‘shift’ gears, power from the engine is continual, providing a smoother acceleration free from shift shock.

The lightweight build of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and its ability to instantly accelerate makes for a fast ride that even those with the ultimate need for speed can appreciate. As a standard automatic engine shifts gears the engine’s RPMs rise and fall, performing in less than optimal ranges; but the CVT’s technology controls the output of the transmission to make sure that the engine’s parts are always moving at the perfect rate for maximum efficiency and speed. This optimum efficiency erases the transmission’s need to ‘downshift’ allowing acceleration to take place instantly.

The Future of Nissan and the Continuously Variable Transmission

As part of Nissan’s continued commitment to deliver eco-friendly cars to consumers the auto giant is dedicated to fully implementing the CVT system. After introducing the use of the Xtronic CVT in 2002, Nissan began the first widespread distribution of the transmission in America by implementing CVT technology in their 2003 Nissan Murano SUVs; and by 2006 they were integrating the transmission into almost all of their model’s engines.

Nissan has said they will continue to invest in CVT technology and research the most fuel-efficient, eco-friendly engine mechanics. To prove their dedication to better-performing vehicles and their customers Nissan has doubled their warranty on their Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission from five years or 60,000 miles to 10 years or 120,000 miles. For those who have already spent money on transmission repairs Nissan is offering reimbursements and working with certified mechanics to reduce the cost of repairs.

More Resources About CVT

HowStuffWorks “How CVTs Work”

CVT – what the Continuously Variable Transmission is

CVT Enters the Mainstream – Edmunds.com

Resource by S.Henniman

I am an aspiring artist and writer from Phoenix Arizona. I enjoy golfing, skiing, college football, and hanging out with my two favorite girls (my wife and 4 year old daughter).

Related Research For Teachers, Students, and Kids