General Motors to Kill Continually Variable Transmission

But while GM looks to be walking away from a trend embraced by rival automakers, its upcoming 6-speed automatic will

To get a leg up on the Japanese competition and their traditional 4- or 5-speed transmissions, GM will be offering a 6-speed automatic in 2006. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

also be a trendsetter when it debuts in 2005. Most brands offer 4- or 5-speed automatics, with only the top-tier luxury brands choosing to outfit their most expensive models with 6- and 7-speed automatic transmissions. GM, and Ford of course, will have a leg up on the Japanese if in fact their 6-speed autobox becomes available first.

So, was it quality issues, low production or consumer disinterest that ended GM's CVT program? Probably all of the above, yet Stephens said the domestic automaker's decision to kill its CVT is directly due to the increased performance and reduced fuel consumption of its 6-speed automatic, plus the economies of scale that will be part and parcel of producing the new 6-speed in higher volumes.

"We believe the future of GM's transmission portfolio is planetary gear 5- and 6-speed automatic transmissions, not CVTs,"

Ford and General Motors will have invested a combined USD$720 million to build the new jointly developed 6-speed. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

commented Stephens.

What's more, GM will no doubt save money by replacing its CVT with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.

"The six-speed has more capability and range. It isn't giving up anything to CVT," added Stephens.

If the 6-speed in question is derived from the new GM-Ford gearbox, and it most likely is, it will be a sophisticated piece of engineering. Both Ford and General Motors will have invested a combined USD$720 million to develop and build the new transmission.