Hm, not sure what you mean by that nfo, but let me expand a bit. First, my comment was in no way a dig against the current MINI CVT (which I have, and like a lot). However, theoretically speaking, it seems to me that a CVT would be the "ultimate" transmission. SMGs are nice because you get the benefits of a manual transmission (better performance, better fuel economy) over a regular automatic, but with the ease, speed, and accuracy of a compter controlling the shifting. However, it is still made up of a set number of distinct gear ratios. That means that when you're driving, there is only one set speed in each gear where you are at your engines maximum performance potential.
In a CVT on the other hand, there are no gear ratios and the engine can be kept at its maximum performance potential at all times. You still get all the speed, accuracy and ease of an SMG, but there's no reason for the engine to ever be out of it's peak performance zone. Now, I myself am not a racer, and don't have any racing experience. I'm sure there are times/reasons when you are able to take advantage of being out of this range in a manual. However, CVTs still have that possibility too, with Stepronic-like modes which use set, pre-programmed "gear ratio." Heck, with an advanced enough CVT each driver could program their own "gear ratios" for each "gear." I just can't think of anything that an SMG could do that a CVT couldn't, but the reverse does not hold true.
Of course I realize CVT technology is probably nowhere near advanced enough to actually do all (or any) of this, and may never be. But, if it were possible, I would take it over an SMG any day.
PigLick |