Automobiles Technology

Honda's CVT

CVT is a type of automatic transmission that realizes superior fuel economy and a smoother ride

01. Using the engine’s efficient range to improve fuel economy

Engines have a speed range in which they are most efficient. CVT keeps the engine running within this range, improving fuel economy.


02. Smooth gear changes mean a smoother ride

Automatic transmissions that use gears need to switch between gear positions, while CVT does not. Since power from the engine is continuously fed to the tires, the ride is smoother.


03. How CVT infinitely controls power from the engine to the tires

With CVT, diameters of the areas where the two pulleys meet the belt can be infinitely varied (Figure 1). Each pulley consists of two conical plates facing each other, which by moving closer or further apart, changes the diameter of the area meeting the belt (Figure 2).
The belt consists of metallic rings and segments, and is flexible and durable (Figure 3).


04. “Honda Control” realizes a sporty ride

With Honda’s CVT, when the car determines it is driving in a sporty manner, such as on a winding mountain road, it automatically maintains a higher engine speed - a Honda-unique feature.

This allows a sporty and smooth ride with deceleration that efficiently uses engine braking, stable cornering by maintaining driving power and powerful acceleration at the engine’s most powerful speed range.

“Honda Control” realizes a sporty ride