It’s hard to keep up with all the acronyms and initialisms in play nowadays, with text shorthand dominating our everyday vocabulary. With that being said, the abbreviations found in the automotive industry can be even more overwhelming, with every manufacturer finding a different way to brand their (often similar) technology. However, CVT (or continuously variable transmission) is one instance where almost all manufacturers offering the technology have seen fit to share the name—though there’s only one CVT that truly dominates the field. The Nissan CVT continuously beats out the competition with better control, greater fuel efficiency, and a smoother drive. Read on to learn more about Nissan’s CVT, with Edmonton’s Go Nissan!
How does a CVT work?
While the continuously variable transmission isn’t necessarily a new idea—with Leonardo da Vinci conceptualizing a version of it in 1490, and Milton Reeves applying a version he created for milling to his first car in the late 1890s—it has only taken off in the automotive world in the last few decades. Even then, it hasn’t been a particularly popular choice for vehicles, until the last ten years or so. While traditional automatic and manual transmissions use a series of gears to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, the CVT ditches the gears altogether. Two pulleys with varying widths are attached to a belt, with one pulley attaching to the engine (the driven pulley), and one pulley attaching to the wheels (the drive pulley). The width of the pulleys changes, from smaller to larger, depending on how much power is needed. Without the need to switch gears, a CVT provides both a smoother and more efficient drive.
What are the benefits of a CVT?
As mentioned above, the main benefits of a continuously variable transmission is a smoother, more efficient drive. With fewer moving parts, not only is maintenance greatly reduced—but so is weight. This means a lighter engine can be paired to a lighter CVT for improved acceleration, as well as easier access to engine power. Smaller engines will also use less fuel, making them more efficient. This means not only do you use less gas, but you’ll spend less time (and money) at the gas station. A CVT also provides a smoother drive, as there are no hiccups when a vehicle is changing gears. This is especially useful for those who drive in areas with lots of hills (the curving roads of Edmonton’s beautiful river valley come to mind) as traditional transmissions often go “gear hunting,” a phenomena where an automatic transmission shifts back and forth between gears. When climbing or descending a hill the speed can fall somewhere in-between the most efficient gear or the gear that offers the most power; while automatic transmissions will experience indecision in this instance, a CVT will cruise along happily and efficiently.
Which Nissans offer Continuously Variable Transmissions?
Some of the top performing models in the Nissan lineup are available with a CVT, or Nissan’s even more efficient Xtronic CVT. From the efficient and industrious Versa Note, Juke, Qashqai, or Sentra, to the more performance-focused Altima, Maxima, Rogue, Murano, or Pathfinder, Nissan’s continuously variable transmission provides improved fuel economy alongside instant access to a wealth of engine power.
To learn more about Nissan’s continuously variable transmission or, better yet, to test drive a CVT-equipped Nissan, contact one of our three conveniently located Go Nissan dealerships. With a multitude of Nissan models all carrying the latest in Nissan technology, from NissanConnect℠ to Nissan Intelligent Mobility℠, to our service and accessory departments, it’s no wonder we’re home to the Go Nissan Advantage!