Some say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has been around, since DaVinci conceptualized it some 500 years ago. He had no means to make one and prove it..it is currently replacing planetary rebuilt automatic transmissions in some automobiles

Since the first toroidal CVT patent was noted, in 1886, the technology has been refined and improved. Today, several car manufacturers, including General Motors, Audi, Honda and Nissan, are designing their drivetrains around CVTs.

­In this article, we’ll explore how a CVT works in a typical rear-wheel driven car, answering several questions on the way:

How does a CVT compare to a conventional, planetary automatic transmission?
What parts does it have and how do those parts work?
What advantages do CVTs offer over conventional automatic transmissions? What about disadvantages?
What’s the driving experience like in a car with a CVT?
What kind of makes and models incorporate CVTs?
Are there any other applications for CVTs other than automobiles?
First, we’ll look at how a CVT compares to a traditional automatic transmission.

These are the questions we will answer in a series on CVT transmissions in the GotTransmissions.com blog. Don’t be shy, feel free to ask questions or comment on anything you feel like. This blog is for YOU, check it out and put it to good use.