Is an 8-speed manual-automatic transmission CVT or AT?
2 Answers
To determine whether an 8-speed manual-automatic transmission is CVT or AT, it depends on the specific vehicle model. Below is relevant information about 8-speed automatic transmissions: Advantages: Lower fuel consumption: The increased number of gears allows for a closer gear ratio, enabling the vehicle to operate at more optimal gear ranges while also handling higher torque levels. Vehicle Applications: In 2006, Lexus became the first to equip its top-tier luxury model, the LS460L, with its newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission. By altering the gear ratio density, the transmission can handle greater torque at lower gears, thereby improving the vehicle's acceleration performance.
An 8-speed automatic manual transmission is an AT transmission, not a CVT. Let's discuss the differences from a technical design perspective: CVT continuously variable transmissions rely on conical pulleys and steel belts to transmit power, with no fixed gears, so it's naturally impossible to have 8 gears. In contrast, AT automatic transmissions use planetary gear sets and a torque converter structure, with each gear corresponding to a different gear ratio. The term '8-speed automatic manual' includes the word 'speed,' directly indicating it belongs to the AT family. The manual-automatic function allows the AT to switch from automatic mode (D gear) to manual shifting mode, where you can push the gear lever to control upshifts and downshifts. Nowadays, high-end cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class prefer using ZF's 8AT, which is smooth and fuel-efficient. For CVT models, manufacturers would never label them as '8-speed'; they would only mention simulating a certain number of gear shift effects.
