If you’re a car shopper in Sarasota, and you’ve been learning about your available transmission options, you’ve probably come across the term “CVT.” So, what is “CVT?” It means continuously variable transmission. It’s a newer type of transmission, and isn’t featured on any Mazda models. Read on to learn about what CVT transmissions are, and why Mazda has taken a different path as CVT transmissions become increasingly popular. Then explore the inventory at Cox Mazda, fill out a pre-approval, and book a test drive in Bradenton.
A continuously variable transmission is a shiftless transmission. With an automatic or manual, you’ll shift between a set number of gears, but the continuously variable transmission does all the shifting for you. It features an infinite variety of gear ratios, two pulleys, and an interceding chain/belt to make shifting smoother than ever and increase your fuel economy.
As we mentioned earlier, regular transmissions have a finite range of high and low gears. CVTs, however, use a cone-shaped pulley that is connected to an intervening belt or chain. One side of that cone remains still, while the other side moves according to your speed, making use of a hydraulic cylinder. This cylinder changes the distance between the conical pulley’s two sides. This makes the belt move higher or lower, depending on your speed. There’s no need for you to shift.
Now that Tampa drivers have a thorough answer to the question, “What is a CVT transmission?”, they may be wondering why Mazda has decidedly refused to implement this technology in their vehicles. The answer is simple. While CVTs are efficient and simpler to repair, they dull the responsiveness of your ride. If you really want to feel the kick in your acceleration, CVTs aren’t the way to go. So, what does Mazda offer as an alternative?
The signature Mazda automatic transmission combines all the advantages of a CVT, automatic, and manual. A widened lock-up range radically improved torque transfer to give you the direct feel and intimacy of a manual transmission. A 4 to 7% increase in fuel economy allows you to reap the primary benefit of CVT. With a smooth and easy start-up and excellent efficiencies at high speeds, there’s nothing that an automatic can offer that SKYACTIV-DRIVE doesn’t.
The signature Mazda manual transmission, SKYACTIV-MT, offers you the crisp responsiveness of a manual transmission. Where it differs in its weight and size. It’s much lighter, increasing the aerodynamics of your model. Its second shaft has been reduced by 20% and its 2nd and 3rd gears were the lightest gears selected from over 10,000 alternatives. Needless to say that every detail of your Mazda models exterior design was built to optimize your performance.
We know that Palmetto drivers came here wondering, “What is CVT?”. In one final effort to answer the complicated question of, “What is a CVT transmission?”, as simply as possible, we offer: a CVT transmission only offers you a fraction of the advantages provided by SKYACTIV-DRIVE and SKYACTIV-MT. To experience SKYACTIV technology in action, give Cox Mazda a call at (941) 202-0999 to book a test drive in Bradenton.
