Next-Generation XTRONIC CVT

Nissan first adopted the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in 1992, then refreshed and modernized it a decade later, becoming one of the world’s first automotive manufacturers to include the CVT on passenger cars. Now, 10 years on again, they’ve taken it to another level. 

The 2013 Nissan Altima is the first Nissan with the next-generation XTRONIC CVT. The dramatically improved technology achieves a significant 15% increase in fuel efficiency, accelerates faster, runs quieter and offers an even more seamless shifting experience.

According to Nissan's innovation article, the next-generation XTRONIC CVT has the world’s highest transmission ratio and also reducing the transmission’s weight, length, friction, and even the amount of transmission fluid needed. The transmission ratio is 7.3:1, which is a broader ratio than you’ll find in an average automatic, and far superior to the 6.0:1 you’d find in a similar model vehicle.

Intelligent CVT Logic ensures that the transmission is always in the right gear, which eliminates any wasteful gear hunting. The expanded gear ratio also reduces engine revolutions drastically, allowing the Altima to cruise at 60 miles per hour at fewer than 1500 RPMs. The benefits of lower RPMs are obvious – better fuel efficiency and a noticeably quieter ride.

So what's this all mean for the driver? Improved performance and fuel economy. The XTRONIC CVT delivers absolutely seamless performance and alleviates many of the concerns that drivers held about earlier generation CVT's. In addition the higher-efficiency and 40% reduction in friction allows the car to perform at higher speeds with low RPMs and have a 15% increase in fuel efficiency.