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Sejanus · Sep 21st, 2003, 08:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by drgrey

That's an interesting statement. Do you mean it's a different type of auto or another type of trans altogether? Would someone who only knew conventional automatic transmissions have a normal or lengthy learning curve? Would someone who wanted more control than you get with an auto find it in a CVT? I've heard that the engine RPMs seem excessive re the road speed and that takes some getting used to. Has that been your experience?

Technically (which has never been my strong suit) it is another type of transmission altogether. However, in the Drive mode it is very similar to any automatic you have ever been in. The same is essentially true in Sports Mode, it just delivers a bit more power. In addition though the CVT also has six simulated gears which can be switched up and down manually as well as switching in and out of Drive and Sports Mode at will. I've had mine for a bit over a year and I'm still experimenting with different ways to use all these options fully, but there isn't a learning curve for a new driver in the way there might be for someone who was driving their first manual transmission. You absolutely get more control than with a normal automatic transmission. I've never felt that the RPMs were excessive, though I suppose it could depend on how you are using the transmission.

Sep 21st, 2003, 08:37 AM	#37
Sejanus MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 03:14 PM Posts: 4,386 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by drgrey That's an interesting statement. Do you mean it's a different type of auto or another type of trans altogether? Would someone who only knew conventional automatic transmissions have a normal or lengthy learning curve? Would someone who wanted more control than you get with an auto find it in a CVT? I've heard that the engine RPMs seem excessive re the road speed and that takes some getting used to. Has that been your experience? Technically (which has never been my strong suit) it is another type of transmission altogether. However, in the Drive mode it is very similar to any automatic you have ever been in. The same is essentially true in Sports Mode, it just delivers a bit more power. In addition though the CVT also has six simulated gears which can be switched up and down manually as well as switching in and out of Drive and Sports Mode at will. I've had mine for a bit over a year and I'm still experimenting with different ways to use all these options fully, but there isn't a learning curve for a new driver in the way there might be for someone who was driving their first manual transmission. You absolutely get more control than with a normal automatic transmission. I've never felt that the RPMs were excessive, though I suppose it could depend on how you are using the transmission.