[TaHoE]

Auto News is reporting that General Motors has stopped production of its Continuously Variable Transmisision (CVT). The CVT uses belts and pullies to adjust ger ratios to optimize performance and efficiency, while improving fuel economy. The CVT has been installed in at least 82,000 vehicles, though GM estimates it to be over 100,000. The CVT has been available in the Saturn VUE and the Saturn ION at a $1,900 and a $900 surcharge respectively. GM is not reacalling any cars that have been sold with CVTs or any vehicles that are on Saturn Dealers lots, however GM has stated that there was a manufacturing problem with the CVTs (not design or engineering problem). Consumers have been complaining that their vehicles that have the CVT are slow to launch and are nervous to stop. GM says that only a small percentage of CVTs are affected and that no harm would be done to the customers who purchased the CVT equppied vehicles. It is unknown wheter or not, the CVT will be produced ever again, but reports say that it probably will. GM has said that the CVT would be applicable to any vehicle equupied with a Ecotec engine, which includes SAABs, Vauxhauls and Opels.

 

[Ming]

They kill / or delay the VUE hybrid, strip Saturns of their plastic cladding, and now this...

The reasons for buying a Saturn are dwindling... <_< Sounds like an excuse to make the VUE more like the Equinox as Saturn gets pulled closer in to the fold.

Maybe Saturn will be like GMC is to Chevy Trucks.

 

[2002camaroz28]

Glad it's not to big of a problem.

 

[awalbert88]

CVT is a tough technology to get correct when you're dealing with the torque of a larger engine (they've existed for over a century for very low torque machines, but only recently became feasible for 4 or 6cyl engines). So it's not surprising that there are sitll some kinks being worked out.

 

[spdwayGm]

:drevil: How odd, my wife and I just drove one (Saturn VUE) and the first comment out of her mouth was how 'weak' the VUE seemed off the line...she even used the term 'shimmy' when we were passing other cars. I chalked it up to the CVT experience vs. a regular tranny. Maybe we won't be trading the Roadmaster in on it after all...

 

[Artie]

i like the vue

 

[tgagneguam]

Customers are not the ones to be working the "bugs" out of products, particularly in this day and age. This is NOT the kind of publicity that Saturn needs.

 

[drejr842]

It's important to note that not all Saturn Vues are equipped with the CVT. All V-6 model Vues are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transaxle. All 4-cylinder models come standard with a 5-speed manual transaxle, and the CVT transaxle is an option. (the only "automatic" available in the 4-cylinder model).

 

[MelvinJ]

I sincerely hope that GM will take care of customers whose CVTs have problems over the next few years, regardless of whether the warranty has expired. Customers won't be happy if their transmission goes south with 70,000 miles on the clock, but they will be delighted if they take it to their Saturn dealer, problems are admitted, and it's taken care of free of charge, or perhaps for a small deductable.

That's the way to turn a negative into a positive and keep people coming back to Saturn.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally posted by drejr842@Feb 23 2004, 03:08 AM
It's important to note that not all Saturn Vues are equipped with the CVT. All V-6 model Vues are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transaxle. All 4-cylinder models come standard with a 5-speed manual transaxle, and the CVT transaxle is an option. (the only "automatic" available in the 4-cylinder model).

there is a 5spd auto for the Vue, and we dont use this on all the cars that need it, like the malibu?

 

[paul8488]

Originally posted by bigals87z28@Feb 23 2004, 05:27 PM
there is a 5spd auto for the Vue, and we dont use this on all the cars that need it, like the malibu?

with any new technology (this is GM's first CVT, i believe) there has to be some real-world data to determine whether or not it is well recieved / accepted, and whether or not it suits real-world drivers. saturn was probably a test-bed for the CVT's, and if they work out i'm sure they'll expand to other GM divisions... though it sounds like perhaps they're not ready for action yet.

 

[Dizzer]

CVT problems are rampant. Ford bought out the interest in it's joint venture with ZF at their Batavia, Ohio facility due to ZF's inability to come up to full production for the CVT unit that is going into the new Freestyle and Ford 500. Belt problems are the issue.

 

[paul8488]

i guess i can understand the advantages of CVT... but i wouldn't want one. when forced to drive an automatic, i like a smooth-shifter, but also want to feel the difference between gears. like if you wanna pull out and pass... i wanna know i'm solidly in gear. i guess a properly operating CVT is designed to keep you in EXACTLY the right 'gear'... but it somehow doesn't inspire me. i suppose CVT might be nice for those who'd like perfectly seamless shifting. i wanna know what my car is doing though!

 

[GrandNationalGNX]

Originally posted by bigals87z28+Feb 23 2004, 05:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bigals87z28 @ Feb 23 2004, 05:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-drejr842@Feb 23 2004, 03:08 AM
It's important to note that not all Saturn Vues are equipped with the CVT.  All V-6 model Vues are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transaxle.  All 4-cylinder models come standard with a 5-speed manual transaxle, and the CVT transaxle is an option. (the only "automatic" available in the 4-cylinder model).

there is a 5spd auto for the Vue, and we dont use this on all the cars that need it, like the malibu? [/b][/quote]
Thats because the 6cyl Vues use a Honda powertrain which means Engine and Transmission...

 

[ctudorache]

the 3.0L engine is actually an ecotec L81 (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/gmpow/l81.htm) by General Motors of Europe (Germany to be specific). The transmission is an Aisin-AW AF33 Transaxle M45 (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/gmpow/m45.htm).

 

[leadfoot85]

This is oddly disappointing GM engineers can't figure out how to build CVT? Others have done it to satisfactory performance. I think GM has a bunch that don't know what to engineer.....and some management that are scared to try the new stuff...like AWD in performance cars (think WRX), Tip-tronic trannys (think BMW, Audi, Daimler), and other advanced technologies that most people think are good ideas to have in cars.

C'mon GM be the :chef: and cook up the good recipes!