We all know that the demand for automatic transmission in the subcontinent automobile market has spiked up. Currently we have conventional Automatic Transmission (AT), Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in the market. JATCO, a subsidiary of Nissan that supplies the automatic transmissions for Nissan cars across the globe showcased their latest CVT in an attempt to educate Indian customers.
Many of you may not know but JATCO has been in the market for quite some time and has a strong hold in the international arena. Nissan claims that the new CVT, used in the Sunny and Micra is far more superior to the conventional ATs and AMTs. JATCO CVT’s expert Mr. Takafumi Yaura took us through the virtual world of CVT and explained how is it better than competitor products.
Q: How is this CVT better than the previous version?
A: The foremost change is that the drive ratio has been increased to 7.3 from 6. The new CVT is having a two speed auxiliary gearbox connected to the CVT drive which yields more spread of gear ratios when compared to the older version. Approximately the newer version has over 1000 shift patterns inside the transmission’s computer, which is called ASC (Adaptive Shift Control). ASC will recognise the driving patterns, for example, in congested area or city traffic, it automatically shifts to ECO mode which enables you to save fuel. On the other hand, on highway, suburban roads or winding roads (which requires more acceleration), it automatically shifts to SPORTS mode, which enables it to provide more power. With the incorporation of the start stop system, this system is as efficient as ever.
Q: Talking about the efficiency, how efficient is the CVT 7.3?
A: By optimising the design and reducing the friction, the new CVT is 30% more efficient; it is also 13% lighter and 10% smaller than the older version. The wider spread of drive ratios ensures that the drive is very smooth. The efficiency of the CVT is aimed to be 90% but we have successfully achieved more than 85%. This is by far better than conventional automatic transmissions which have an efficiency of 70% (approximately).
Q: Does it mean we can expect an increase in fuel economy of the cars using X-Tronic CVT?
A: Due to increase in gear ratio from 6.0 to 7.3, -30% friction reduction and 13% weight reduction technologies, fuel economy has increased as well as the driving performance compared to the previous version. The fuel economy of the CVT is itself (excluding engine and vehicle architecture) 10% better than the previous version.
Q: How is the CVT better than conventional AT/AMT?
A: The AT/AMT has a disadvantage in performance because of the shifting mechanism. Every time there is gear shift one can feel the jerk as well as loss of speed/acceleration. With CVT, the driver will never face that problem as the drive is continuous and smooth. The CVT allows the car to maintain optimal torque.
Q: Does CVT have even a manual mode option?
A: Well not exactly a manual mode but we do have CVT’s with paddle shifts. They are also very efficient but we will not be offering it in India. The paddle shift CVT is mainly for the American market.
