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Off topic CVT tranny question for Jim Warman or others...
This question is slightly off topic as it pertains to the new CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission) used on the new Ford Freestyle Crossover SUV, but I think the discussion will be interesting to all. The idea has been around for a while, but this is one of the first actual applications on a US automobile. The question is: What are your thoughts on this new design CVT & what concerns do you have about the longevity of the design ??? Any ideas on cost to repair (if someone could be found who knew how) ??? Also, are adjustments required during the life of the tranny ??? Is this tranny suitable for towing ??? Does this tranny generate more or less heat as current automatics??? I am considering purchasing a Freestyle, but do not know much about the CVT tranny. Testing a brand new transmission like this for Ford is a bit scary. Thanks for any input you might have on this. - Ray |
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#3
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Like AZGuy, I recommend shying away from new releases for the first couple
of years. I don't quite agree with much else... At 203/207 for hp and torque, the Freestyle is no screamer but it certainly isn't a slouch, either. While this CVT is yet to be proven in real world action, I don't think we can compare it to the asian offering of more than a decade ago. The state of the art has changed greatly since then. We have one Freestyle in stock but I have yet to have the opportunity to drive it nor the time to take the NMT course (New Model Training). Looking at the specs, though, we see that the towing capacity is rated at 2000 lbs. Until the transmission has proved itself, I can't comment. I don't think we'll see anything different in the way of temperatures.... most of the heat in an automatic transmission is created by the torque converter. Remember that the CVT is more of a gas mileage thing rather than a workhorse. You might consider the 6 speed auto..... Depending on usage, I can forsee some teething problems with the CVT trans and I'm positive that any after warranty repairs will hurt. Like many other innovations (variable cam timing, variable displacement, and so on), there will be a learning curve. This vehicle isn't going to replace Explorers or pick ups any time soon and I would recommend buying the car you need rather than the car you want. FWIW... my 92 is soon to be up for grabs. My 16 year old will get his drivers licence in March (we have a graduated system - hopefully it will reduce the carnage) and the Ex doesn't fulfill his needs. I'll miss the old girl but the plan is to find a Ranger with the same powertrain..... "CRAngelo" > wrote in message ... > This question is slightly off topic as it pertains to the new CVT > (Continuously Variable Transmission) used on the new Ford Freestyle > Crossover > SUV, but I think the discussion will be interesting to all. The idea has > been > around for a while, but this is one of the first actual applications on a > US > automobile. > The question is: What are your thoughts on this new design CVT & what > concerns do you have about the longevity of the design ??? Any ideas on > cost to > repair (if someone could be found who knew how) ??? Also, are adjustments > required during the life of the tranny ??? Is this tranny suitable for > towing > ??? Does this tranny generate more or less heat as current automatics??? > I am considering purchasing a Freestyle, but do not know much about > the > CVT tranny. Testing a brand new transmission like this for Ford is a bit > scary. > > Thanks for any input you might have on this. - Ray |
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I rented a nissan murano that had a CVT. It's weird to get used to. You pull
out of the toll plaza and gun it and it revs right up to 5k and stays there as the car goes faster, no shifts. It keeps the engine in its best power band at any speed. Because of the infinite gear ratios you can throw it in low at any speed and use engine braking to slow down. |
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#7
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>I rented a nissan murano that had a CVT. It's weird to get used to. You
>pull >out of the toll plaza and gun it and it revs right up to 5k and stays there >as >the car goes faster, no shifts. It keeps the engine in its best power band >at >any speed. > >Because of the infinite gear ratios you can throw it in low at any speed and >use engine braking to slow down. > > > > > > Thanks for the info. -- I was wondering about how the CVT performed -vs- what we're used to. Haven't taken a ride yet, but I think it will be enlightening. Thanks again - Ray(original poster) |
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