GRA
Well-known member
Other than NVH. Here's an example from the current RAV4 hybrid:LeftieBiker said:if they need to simulate shifts why not just do them?
They do it only to please people like you. There is no practical reason to do it.
Or here:Working with a continuously variable transmission, the engine provides more than enough kick to get up to speed in a semi-quick fashion. The CVT hallmark of annoyingly loud engine drone under hard acceleration remains, but the way that the drivetrain switches between gas, electric or a combination of the two for propulsion is impressively seamless.
And here:It rides well and is generally quiet save for some occasional buzzing from the engine when flooring it
This is one of the better modern CVTs. Seeing as how I'm often doing steep climbs and/or passing on two lane roads in the mountains, I can do without the droning and over-revving. Even with my crappy hearing eliminating much of the droning, I can still feel the engine revving unnecessarily. I've been driving Subaru boxer engines for the past 31 years and the engines themselves aren't the smoothest/quietest in the world, never mind the effect of a CVT.Aside from the mushiness of its standard continuously variable automatic transmission versus the conventional model's eight-speed automatic, it's almost impossible to tell you're driving a hybrid.
So, maybe in another generation or two CVTs will eliminate the negatives that have long been associated with them. They are getting better, but they still aren't there yet. Subaru's been using them extensively, and (to my sorrow) eliminating sticks from their lineup, including the Forester. I think only the Impreza/Crosstrek still offers one. As I intend my next car to be a ZEV, giving up a stick will be the price I'll have to pay, so I'll need to be able to control regen to keep myself engaged.