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General Motors to Kill Continually Variable Transmission

New 6-Speed Automatic to Replace CVT in 2006

In what seems like a move against current trends, General Motors will be terminating its continually variable transmission (CVT) at the end of model year 2005.

For the time being, according to Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain, GMs CVT will continue as the automatic transmission choice in all-wheel drive 2005 Saturn VUEs, but before 2006 models arrive it will be dropped. At this time GMs CVT will end production.

With regards to the ION Coupe, a 4-speed automatic transmission will be offered throughout 2006 when it will be

GMs continually variable transmission (CVT) will be dropped before the release of the 2006 Saturn VUE. (Photo: General Motors)

replaced by a new 6-speed automatic which is reportedly still in developmental stages. The new 6-speed automatic is expected to be available in a variety of cars and small SUVs across GMs broad product line.

Is Stephens referring to a version of the upcoming 6-speed automatic expected from the GM-Ford joint venture

The 2006 ION Coupe will feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission that GM is still developing. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

(see Automotive News Archives: Apr 21, 2004 - GM and Ford Develop 6-Speed Automatic Gearbox in Cooperation)? While GM did not comment, Detroit News reported that a Ford spokesman made mention that his company was looking into using the co-developed transmission in other application, which include smaller vehicles.

From a sales floor point of view, it makes sense that GM would axe

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

the unconventional gearbox-type. Despite experiencing widespread use in Subarus 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 doesnt 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 Europes Opel Astra compact, as well as the Saturn ION Coupe and Saturn VUE compact SUV. Such limited use hasnt made it very cost effective,

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

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

Why would GM invest millions into

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)

developing a CVT? Thats a good question. With Subaru, partly owned by GM, never expanding the use of the technology beyond its Justy subcompact, its surprising that the worlds largest automaker wouldnt 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 automakers top brass would never have sanctioned its development.

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