"THE CVT CONCEPT AND TECHNOLOGY ARE NOT NEW: CVT WAS CONCEPTUALIZED BY LEONARDO DA VINCI IN THE LATE 15TH CENTURY, AND IT WAS AVAILABLE ON THE SUBARU JUSTY FROM THE LATE 1980s THROUGH MID-1990s - THE FIRST CAR WITH A CVT FOR THE U.S. AUTOMOBILE MARKET. FOR THE 2010 MODEL YEAR, A STATE-OF-THE-ART, ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED CVT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SELECT, ALL-NEW LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS." These words are from Subaru's Drive Magazine, which further explains CVT below:

"A continuously variable transmission functions as if it had an infinite number of gear ratios. Its changes from ratio to ratio are step-less, contributing to the powertrain's smooth operation. Among its benefits, a CVT wastes less power in transmitting engine torque to the drive wheels. Its efficiencies result in the excellent fuel economy ratings of the non-turbocharged 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback models equipped with CVT." Now the 2012 Impreza has CVT.

HOW CVT WORKS

It stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, and this innovative technology has been engineered to work seamlessly with the SUBARU BOXER? engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to help reduce fuel consumption. The stepless gear ratio allows the engine to run within its optimal power range for improved fuel economy, while its lightweight, compact design helps the vehicle stay as agile as it can be.

In a recent blog post, we profiled the 2012 Subaru Impreza and highlighted the CVT:

    The Lineartronic CVT is an enhanced, second-generation unit that, unlike a traditional automatic transmission, delivers an infinite and seamless variability in available drive ratios without any noticeable shifting. It helps provide maximum engine performance and fuel efficiency, and with optional six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddleshifters on Premium, Sport and Limited models, the Lineartronic CVT also maintains a level of sportiness.

   A new electric power steering system improves fuel efficiency by an additional two percent, and lower rolling resistance tires reduce fuel economy, robbing road friction. And to help improve driver fuel efficiency, a new ECO gauge helps indicate the most fuel-efficient driving behavior.  Thanks to new chassis components like liquid hydraulic engine mounts for enhanced vibration damping, pillow ball bushings and strengthened, double-wishbone suspension, the 2012 Impreza has ride qualities, stability and handling responsiveness that outperform all class competitors.

     "We've noticed the 2012 Subaru Impreza with CVT gets better gas mileage than its manual transmission counterpart" notes Dan Tibbetts, sales consultant. He also says some people have reported upwards of 50 mpg with their Impreza under very conservative driving conditions.

Transmission Type 2: Manual Shift Mode

Refine the performance of your automatic transmission with smooth-shifting Manual Shift Mode technology. Working with 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions, you can take control of the gears when you need greater precision, like climbing hills or passing vehicles, and then settle back into automatic when you don't. Easy. Efficient. Brilliant.  Available on: All Subaru Models.

Transmission Type 3: Manual Transmission

Dependable and lightweight manual transmissions give passionate drivers a range to express their personal driving style. The coated synchromesh gears of the 5- or 6-speed manual transmissions make every shift smooth and efficient for fluid and exciting acceleration.

Available on: Outback, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, Forester


To read the full article from Drive Magazine, click here.
To learn more about Subaru Engineering and Technology, click here.

Have a great day and Happy Reading!


Jeanne Dennison
Communications Specialist
Stanley Subaru
www.stanleysubaru.com
www.facebook.com/stanleysubaru
@Stanley_Subaru on Twitter