| Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are | | | | American market add CVTs as an option, though |
| all kinds of alternative energy sources on the | | | | it has happened quietly, as many people are leery |
| horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging | | | | of new technology, especially in cars. The CVT is |
| $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version | | | | actually quite old although it is new to American |
| of that model. However, instead of changing fuel | | | | automobiles. The concept was developed by |
| sources, some automotive companies have been | | | | Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the |
| using a new type of transmission to improve fuel | | | | late 1800's for industrial applications. The CVT has |
| economy, lower emissions, and actually make | | | | been used in Asian and European vehicles since |
| vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price. | | | | the 1950's, but until recently CVTs could not |
| These companies are using a continuously variable | | | | handle the power that American drivers demand |
| transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear | | | | from their cars. However, CVTs have seen |
| ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear | | | | widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 |
| ratios, as well as engine performance, so that | | | | racing where they have a reputation for |
| they both operate at their most efficient level in | | | | extending engine life and being much easier to |
| any driving scenario. Because these key | | | | rebuild than either a manual or automatic step |
| components of the power train are at their peak | | | | transmission. So where can you test drive a |
| performance at all times, fuel economy is | | | | CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to |
| improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions | | | | dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or |
| are reduced by 10%. Although these figures may | | | | Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan |
| not sound impressive, the gas savings increase | | | | dealership may be the best place to go. In order |
| the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 | | | | to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, |
| mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon. | | | | they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in |
| The CVT's potential for reducing emissions is also | | | | their lineup, including the best selling Altima, |
| significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor | | | | Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, |
| Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one | | | | Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard |
| million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 | | | | in these models, improving safety and reducing |
| will have "the same effect in terms of reducing | | | | insurance costs). Although you may not have the |
| CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric | | | | budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for |
| vehicles." Since there is no shifting between fixed | | | | that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take |
| gears, there is no 'shift shock' or jerking | | | | it easy on the environment, as well as your |
| sensation, which makes them exceptionally | | | | checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a |
| smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain | | | | CVT. |
| since there is no 'gear hunting' or bogging down on | | | | Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage |
| a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which | | | | you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips |
| also contributes to its superior acceleration. You | | | | and receive free quotes for cheap car insurance |
| may be wondering why this isn't in every car if it | | | | for young drivers from respected insurance |
| is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the | | | | companies. |