THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)
Unlike conventional automatic (and manual) transmissions which have fixed gears
and gear ratios, the Continuously Variable Transmission offers the equivalent
of “gear changes” — but in a dramatically “stepless” manner that encompasses
an infinite number of effective gear ratios. The principal effect is flexibility: the
engineering allows the driveshaft to maintain a constant angular velocity over
a range of output velocities. The results are dramatic and, in today’s economy,
important. By allowing the engine to run at the most efficient revolutions per
minute (rpm) over a wide range of speeds and conditions, the CVT can provide
better fuel economy than conventional transmissions, and can maximize the overall
performance of a vehicle by allowing the engine to turn at the optimal rpm for peak
power. The CVT is currently applied in Jeep
®
Compass and Patriot models.
Advantages: contributes to greater fuel economy than conventional transmissions
and maximizes overall performance by allowing the engine to operate at peak rpm.
*Late availability.
THE 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Part of our commitment to simultaneously improve performance and fuel
economy is to constantly set our sights on technology that helps meet that
goal. Chrysler is pleased to be the first U.S.-based automaker to adopt 8-speed
automatic transmissions.
Working with ZF, a world leader in transmission innovation and technology, select
performance-oriented models in the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram lineups will offer
this exceptional longitudinal transmission this year. American industry and labor
will also benefit: domestic production is in our Kokomo, Indiana, transmission
plant. The 8-speed automatic encapsulates the Chrysler Group LLC focus on next-
generation vehicles and sustainable, fuel-saving technologies.
Advantages: one step further toward an environmentally friendly technology
to help reduce fuel consumption; extra gears provide superb cruising
characteristics during long-distance travel and everyday highway speeds.
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