[HarryHBMCC]

Quote:

Originally posted by erazo
In theory, the CVT should be more efficient than manual (although the steptronics would remove some of that inefficiency) since it eliminates the torque converter, the source of inefficiency in automatics.

Hmm, I think you meant more efficient than the usual fluid torque converter automatic tranny. Manuals don't have torque converters so CVTs won't be more efficient for that reason. They should be more efficient as they have an infinite range of 'gears' available to keep the engine in the optimum power band.

It seems that CVTs still aren't as efficient as they could be as they usually fall, today, between manuals and old fluid torque converter-style automatics in terms of performance and gas mileage. Still, that spec is in a lab -- people will need to compare street vehicles to really know what advantages they offer compared to older automatics.

Harry