CVT Lineartronic Transmission | Desjardins Subaru

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission without gears, using instead a belt, chain, and pulleys to transfer power to the drive wheels. Since it has no gears or defined ratios, the CVT offers the equivalent of an infinite number of ratios. This feature, in turn, provides advantages in terms of acceleration, smoothness, fuel efficiency, and environmental friendliness.

Advantages of the Lineartronic CVT

Less Wear

One of the main advantages of the CVT is that wear on the transmission is minimal compared to that of a conventional transmission with fixed ratios. The CVT uses fewer moving parts, resulting in less friction and less heat acting on the parts and causing wear. The only maintenance required is to change the fluids every 100,000 km, which also reduces wear on your wallet.

Linear Acceleration and Overall Performance

When accelerating in a vehicle with a manual or conventional automatic transmission, shifting gears interrupts the acceleration process - there is always some delay. For example, when driving on an uphill highway, an automatic transmission may sometimes hesitate between gears, seeking the best compromise between fuel economy and power. In such a situation, the delay during gear changes means the engine has to work harder immediately after shifting to bring the vehicle to the right speed.

Similarly, when downshifting with a manual transmission, the engine often over-revs as soon as you shift to a lower gear, which can potentially lead to engine failure. The constant and smooth accelerations of the Lineartronic CVT completely eliminate this delay phenomenon, promoting smooth and linear accelerations, and enhancing the efficiency of the drive system. In automatic mode, an adaptive shift logic controller ensures the optimal ratio is engaged based on the situation, while a stepped shift program responds to engine speed changes to optimize driving. In manual mode, gears are selected using paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. This results in a more precise, sporty, and responsive driving experience overall.

Improved Fuel Economy and Reduced Emissions

The Lineartronic CVT is designed to work in perfect synergy with the SUBARU BOXER® engine and Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive to help reduce consumption and, in many cases, match the fuel efficiency of front-wheel-drive vehicles in the same category.

The secret: the transmission keeps the vehicle in its optimal RPM range, regardless of speed, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs to save fuel. When a conventional automatic transmission shifts gears, the power cut and jolt that occurs when engaging the next gear both negatively impact fuel efficiency. Instead of using defined gear ratios, the CVT continuously varies the gear ratios, completely eliminating delays and jolts - while keeping the vehicle in its optimal performance range.

Since the Lineartronic transmission exerts better control over the engine's RPM range, it also better controls pollutant emissions. In fact, this CVT is designed to meet future environmental standards regarding CO2 emissions.

How a CVT Works... and the Superior Efficiency of the Lineartronic CVT

After years of research and development, Subaru engineers introduced a pioneering technology in a production car: a longitudinally mounted CVT with all-wheel drive, using a chain instead of a belt. Thanks to this unique design, the Lineartronic CVT uses smaller pulleys, making the system lighter and overall more efficient. It also provides a more natural feel compared to other CVTs, allowing drivers to achieve a more immediate, smoother, and quieter response.

This CVT uses two hydraulically adjustable conical pulleys connected by a chain. Depending on the vehicle's speed, the sides of each pulley move closer or further apart, and the chain runs in the groove formed between the pulleys. The chain moves smoothly, so there is no power interruption, resulting in smoother accelerations, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. The CVT operates automatically, but those seeking a more engaging experience can opt for the six-speed manual mode. These defined gears are selected using paddle shifters mounted on the steering column, allowing the driver to control the pulleys' movement. This feature provides the driver with the advantage of a more sporty driving experience.