General Motors to Kill Continually Variable Transmission

From a sales floor point of view, it makes sense that GM would axe the unconventional gearbox-type. Despite experiencing

The CVT found its way into GM of Europe's Opel Astra compact, as well as the Saturn ION Coupe and Saturn VUE compact SUV. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

widespread use in Subaru's subcompact mid-80s Justy and more recently, having become the automatic transmission of choice for everything from the MINI to front-wheel drive Audis, it doesn't appear in too many GM vehicles. Manufactured in a joint Fiat-GM powertrain facility in Szentgotthard, Hungary, the CVT found its way into GM of Europe's Opel Astra compact, as well as the Saturn ION Coupe and Saturn VUE compact SUV. Such limited use hasn't made it very cost effective, and only the automaker's import-fighting Saturn division, as well as possibly Cadillac and Saab, would have the right kind of "early adaptor" customer to take a risk on a newer technology.

How does a CVT work? Without going into too much detail, the CVT allows the engine to remain at a constant rev range as the vehicle accelerates rather than increasing engine revs over repeated intervals between gear changes, manipulating the final drive seamlessly from

The CVT allows the engine to remain in a constant rev range as the vehicle accelerates. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

within the transmission. Just like a snowmobile, you keep going faster just by applying the throttle.

Why would GM invest millions into developing a CVT? That's a good question. With Subaru, partly owned by GM, never expanding the use of the technology beyond its Justy subcompact, it's surprising that the world's largest automaker wouldn't have learned from its Japanese partner.

Just the same the lure of increased fuel economy, improved performance and fewer mechanical parts must have sounded enticing, or the automaker's top brass would never have sanctioned its development.