Subaru CVT Transmission
Available on all 2020 Subaru models (except the WRX STI and BRZ), the Subaru CVT transmission offers several benefits to its users. But what is a CVT transmission? How does it work?
What is a CVT Transmission?
A CVT transmission, or continuously variable transmission, is an alternative to conventional gearboxes that we have known so far.
In fact, this technology eliminates the need for gear wheels found in manual and automatic transmissions. The mechanism is thus composed of two pulleys connected together by a belt.
The first pulley is connected to the engine while the second is connected to the drive wheels. The V-shaped belt is the link between the two entities.
The two pulleys then vary their cone-shaped sides and thus continuously change the transmission ratio. Hence the name of continuously variable transmission.
It’s a bit like a bike: the smaller the pulley at the end of the engine (or pedal for the bike), the lower the speed. Conversely, the rear pulley will then be larger. If a higher speed is desired, simply enlarge the front pulley and shrink the rear pulley
Lineartronic Subaru CVT Transmission
After trying to improve this process, Subaru engineers developed the Lineartronic CVT transmission.
This CVT transmission, mounted longitudinally with a Subaru All-Wheel Drive, uses a chain rather than a belt. Thanks to this unique design, the Lineartronic CVT uses smaller pulleys, which make the whole unit lighter and more efficient overall.
It also provides a more natural feel compared to other CVT boxes, allowing drivers to get an instant response , more consistent and quieter.
This CVT box uses two hydraulically controlled, adjustable conical pulleys connected by a chain. Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the sides of each pulley move toward or away from each other, and the chain passes into the groove formed between the pulleys. The chain moves smoothly, so there is no power interruption, resulting in smoother acceleration, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Benefits of the Subaru CVT Transmission
The Subaru CVT offers several advantages over a manual or automatic gearbox:
- Flexibility during acceleration: no accoup
- Less fuel consumption: your Subaru will always look for the best transmission ratio to save fuel
- More ecological: that says less petrol rejected says less pollution
- Less noisy
- Better performance: in terms of pure performance, a CVT transmission is more efficient by a few tenths of a second
- Lower maintenance costs: less friction, there is less heat generation and less wear
- Lighter: the gears are heavier than the components of the CVT transmission
- More reliable: this system is more reliable over time than standard gearboxes
Simulated Speeds
Why are there paddles in the steering wheel to change gears on Subaru CVT transmission if there isn’t any?
These speeds are actually simulated. Subaru offers transmission ratios that are pre-recorded. You then take the controls and you give the CVT transmission the command to offer you a predefined transmission ratio.
This system allows you to enjoy sensations close to a conventional gearbox, without having any inconvenience.
Come Test the Subaru CVT Gearbox
Would you like to experiment our Lineartronic CVT transmissions? The entire 2020 Subaru lineup is available at Subaru Métropolitain, your Subaru dealership in Montreal.
Request your free Subaru test drive now!
Subaru CVT Transmission Explanation Video
Video explaining Subaru CVT transmission proposed by Subaru
