What does CVT continuously variable transmission simulating 8 gears mean?
2 Answers
CVT transmissions do not have gears. To enhance driving pleasure, CVT now simulates 8 virtual gears without actual gear shifts. Here are the related details: 1. Introduction: The CVT transmission belongs to the continuously variable transmission category, commonly known as the stepless transmission. As the name suggests, it does not have specific gears and operates similarly to an automatic transmission. However, the change in speed ratio differs from the gear-shifting process of an automatic transmission, being continuous, thus ensuring smooth and uninterrupted power delivery. 2. Efficiency: CVT transmissions offer excellent fuel economy, power performance, and driving smoothness, while also reducing emissions and costs.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also confused about this issue. Actually, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) means the car has no fixed gears, and the shifting is smooth and continuous without any pauses. The simulated 8-speed is when the car's computer intentionally creates 8 virtual shifting points to make it feel like the car is changing gears, with slight vibrations and sounds. Why design it this way? Because some people don't like the monotonous acceleration feeling of pure CVT, and the simulation adds a bit of driving fun, making it feel like manual shifting. This is especially noticeable in sport mode, where acceleration feels more exciting. Additionally, simulated gears can optimize fuel efficiency by controlling the gear ratio changes via the computer to avoid excessively high engine RPMs, making city driving more fuel-efficient. For example, Nissan cars use this technology, where the dashboard displays numbers to mislead you into thinking there are gears, but it's still a CVT. From my experience, this feature makes CVT cars easier to handle, especially for beginners who won't find it strange.
