CVTs go off road.While gaining acceptance in passenger car applications, continuously variable transmission The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a transmission in which the ratio of the rotational speeds of two shafts, as the input shaft and output shaft of a vehicle or other machine, can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of (CVT CVT Continuously Variable Transmission (automotive, sport, utility & hybrid vehicles) CVT Center for Victims of Torture CVT Continuing Vocational Training CVT Certified Veterinary Technician CVT Control Value Table ) systems haven't made much of a dent in the light truck and SUV market. Blame it on the lack of ability to handle low-range mode, which is a requirement for any true off-roader. That's why eyebrows raised when Jeep announced its 2007 Patriot would be offered in a "Trail-Rated" model complete with a CVT capable of low-range operation. Chrysler execs hope this new advancement will put to rest any concerns Jeep aficionados may have as the brand launches a family of products based on the front-wheel drive front-wheel drive n. Abbr. FWD An automotive drive system in which only the front pair of wheels receives power from the engine. C-segment platform--and along with it end the discussion of "sissy sis·sy n. pl. sis·sies 1. A boy or man regarded as effeminate. 2. A person regarded as timid or cowardly. 3. Informal Sister. Jeeps." Chrysler's powertrain engineers began devising the technology to accommodate a low-range mode on the existing Jatco CVT in 2003, when the Patriot began crystallizing through the development process. "We knew right from the start that we wanted the Patriot to be Trail-Rated, so we tasked ourselves with developing a low-range CVT in-house," says Matt Loddane, chief engineer for the Patriot and its platform-mate Jeep Compass The Jeep Compass (MK) is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the 2007 model year. Jeep made its public debut of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. . "The key was to get all the capabilities without a two-speed transfer case." Chrysler engineers patented the CVT low-range system, dubbed dub 1 tr.v. dubbed, dub·bing, dubs 1. To tap lightly on the shoulder by way of conferring knighthood. 2. To honor with a new title or description. 3. CVT2L. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the low-range mode is selected via a switch, a controller determines whether the vehicle is traveling at an acceptable rate of speed (the system can only be activated at speeds below 25 mph) and then engages a coupling mechanism, via specially developed software programming, to engage the secondary drive wheel while the CVT moves into a higher final drive ratio of up to 19:1, which is more than enough to traverse traverse - traversal just about any dusty trail or rough terrain. Loddane dismisses any concerns over potential durability issues of operating a CVT at such output levels, adding that most of the attention during development was focused on perfecting the calibration and feel of the system. "We had to do a lot of work to make sure the low-range mode would operate like a traditional system from a customer standpoint, so that it would sound and feel familiar," he says. The CVT2L system will be offered on the Patriot as part of the Freedom Drive II package, which itself is geared for durable off-road use, with 1-in. higher ground clearance, additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents designed to support 19-in. water fording capability.--KMK |
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