Subaru has decided to develop a continuously variable automatic transmission for its entire model range, starting with the redesigned 2009 Legacy and then spreading to the rest of the Japanese carmaker’s model lineup.
The report comes from Japan’s Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, which says that the transmission will also be hooked up to Subaru’s forthcoming 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine. No word from Subaru on whether that engine will make it to the United States or Canada, but with the recent infusion of diesel interest here, it seems likely.
Subaru is on an endless campaign to reduce fuel consumption of its trademark boxer four-cylinder engines. Despite Subaru’s green image, boxer motors are inherently thirstier than more common inline motors.
CVTs are not new to Subaru. Several small models primarily sold in Japan and Asia feature CVTs. We’d be surprised to see Subaru put a CVT with its iconic WRX models, especially since Mitsubishi just unveiled a dual-clutch six-speed transmission for its upcoming Lancer Evolution X.
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07/18, 1:45 PM
posted by:
acura_el2000
woopty doo… CVT’s suck.
07/18, 2:05 PM
posted by:
bran
CVT’s dont suck, they just sip. They provide you better gas mileage along with a lame, boring driving experience. Lets just CVT the world, and feel no difference between 3rd gear and 4th.
07/18, 2:23 PM
posted by:
AMGoff
I don’t like the entire concept of these belt driven transmissions, fuel savings or not. It’s been my experience that any sort of belt, hose, pulley, etc.. gives out long before a properly maintained transmission does. Besides, automatics were touted as better for gas mileage and we see how fun those are compared to a good ol’ five speed.
07/18, 3:16 PM
posted by:
Bush
Subaru has been working with Nissan on this CVT. I don’t know the track record of the Nissan CVT, but Subaru will probably the same.
07/18, 4:14 PM
posted by:
imageWIS
I have a CVT in my A4, CVT sucks, I should have gotten the 6-speed auto or the manaul tranny.
Jon.
07/18, 4:43 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
Just yesterday I was reading comments where people were lamenting the fact that the Honda fit didn’t have the CVT that’s available to the rest of the world. Like I said then, the North American market is a fickle one. That said, CVTs do suck. No fun at all.
07/18, 8:35 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Subaru = basura = garbage. Although their auto plants really are environmentally friendly, which is a good thing. But it still doesn’t make their quality problems go away… :-/
07/18, 9:10 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
CVT are only slightly better than traditional automatics. The problem is the hydraulic unit used to adjust the belt consumes a lot of power, mostly negating the improvement from infinite gearing ratios. The future belongs to DSG-type transmissions. They provide the direct mechanical link of a manual with the intelligent control of an automatic.
07/19, 10:57 AM
posted by:
Get Real
A metal band compressed between 2 plates have to move a multi-thousand pound car.
A caveman (no disrespect to any out there) can tell anyone this system is doomed to failure.
Especially when the warranty runs out.
07/20, 12:15 PM
posted by:
Veda
CVT’s excel in areas where it’s constantly heavy crawling traffic which are where the Honda Fit sells best. The rest of the world is unlike US.
07/21, 9:36 AM
posted by:
BLISS
KEEP ON IMPROVING…..SUBARU MOTORS
08/26, 1:01 AM
posted by:
justy
93 subaru justy, ECVT still going strong !
500km/30L
not too bad power for a 3 banger.
CVT feels great