AstroRig57
near Tehachapi, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/15/2009
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We have an AWD 2006 Ford Five Hundred (predecessor to the new generation Taurus) that has a ZF Batavia CFT30 CVT transmission. At the time, the CVT was the only transmission you could get with the AWD option. (This is basically the Volvo P2 platform.)
When we first got it I did not initially like it, since it did not have the familiar "snap" when shifting gears like a conventional transmission. After I got used to it, I learned to love it since it can always find the right gear ratio and it is very efficient at putting the traction to the wheels. It's the perfect combo with AWD. At the time, it would out accelerate a Chrysler 300 of the same model year just because it did a better of job of getting the available power to the wheels (a fact which Ford promoted extensively).
With only routine maintenance, ours has served us flawlessly since new and, when replaced with a 2010 Flex as my wife's daily driver, became our son's commuter for college. It may look a bit a bit stodgy, but he and his friends love it, with it's cavernous cabin, sunroof, tinted windows, and miserly fuel economy for the road trips to and from school.
2005 31' Coachmen Freelander 3150SS, Stargazer II - Mobile Astronomy Unit
Do you remember when the sky was dark, and the stars were bright?
The International Dark-Sky Association
American by birth...Scottish by the Grace Of God.
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PUCampin
Castaic
Senior Member
Joined: 07/28/2003
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K3WE wrote:PUCampin wrote:K3WE wrote:One of the best "CVTs" is the electric generator-motor set up used on train locomotives. Tried, true, dependable. Unfortunately a bit on the heavy side- although the modern hybrid cars are doing similar things with ok weight and effeciency.
This is actually what is called a "Series Hybrid". The prime mover is a large diesel which drives a generator, which is electricly connected to electric traction motors, which drive the axles through a single speed gear reduction. There is no mechanical connection from the diesel to the axles. The diesel rpm is changed up or down to change the amount of electricity going to the traction motors. Since electric motors have max torque at 0rpm, they are ideal for this aplication. This is not really thr same as the CVT that is being discussed. The closest example to this in the automotive world is the Chevy Volt. The gas engine is not connected to the wheels mechanically, the Volt is propelled entirely by electric motors, with power from the batteries or gas motor/generator. 
Yes, I knew someone was going to go technical and correct me because the power is transmitted electrically instead of mechanically.
Of course, just remember that those wires on big poles are called "transmission lines"
Why?, because they transmit power just like a mechanical or hydraulic, or even Radio trasmissions transmit power from where it is made to where it is needed.
For the record, the words "mechanical only" were left out on the title, consequently, "electrical" is game for discussion as a reliable, effecient and reasonable method of having a continuously variable vehicle transmission.
Touche I emphasized in alternative energy while studying engineering, so this stuff is right up my alley, I could not resist  . I hope I did not come across as rude. I still think the Volt is a great example of this type of system in an auto (although the Volt has batteries where trains don't)
2007 Expedition EL 4x4 Tow pkg
2006 Pioneer 180CK (No more PUcampin!)
Nights in 10: 15
Nights in 11: 9  Rained out, sick kids, flat broke, you name it! Bad year for campin
Me DW and the 3 in 3 
DD 6/14/06, DS  11/27/07, DD  11/11/08
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