I just read a neat article on howstuffworks.com on the CVT trannies. Since Nissan already uses them in the Murano, I dont think it would be much of a stretch to have one for the Z. The ability to keep the engine in the high power band all of the time seems appealing on paper, but i have never driven a CVT so I am still a little un-clear how well it works in the real world.

Are there any advantages against the 5AT? If the Z came with a CVT option, would you consider it?

 

2007 Maximas have them now as the only transmission option. I am going to go drive one to see what its like. I am interested to know as well.

 

its perfect for a stock engine and drivetrain,but when we modify our cars like a lot of us do i dunno.it seems like nissan also must have looked into this,because you dont see it for the z or g in the near future.

 

They cant handle nearly the power that most people would want in a performence vehicle.

 

I can see that in a way, but I don't think Nissan had modding the car in mind when they put the Z together this go around. Stock, the Engine is very nice and quite sturdy, but it doesnt seem very mod friendly from a stock engineering standpoint.

I figure they will always make a manual tranny for the Z, but the concept of the CVT seems interesting. The Murano makes what, 250+ HP? Thats 5/6ths of the Z's Power. I feel certain they could engineer one to handle a bit more than that. right?

 

Transmissions are speced on maximum lb/ft of torque..............HP is pretty meaningless as it varies with rpm.

 

Surley they could spec a CVT to handle that much torque too?

 

It's actually available in Japan on the Skyline 350GT-8 which is basically an 8 speed G sedan with a toroidal CVT. Jatco lists it in the same class as our step ATs as far as torque capacity goes.

If anyone figures out how to import one and get it to mate up let me know.

Edit: Should mention that a toroidal CVT is a different beast than the Xtronic CVT.

 

We have an 06 Murano, and while the CVT is quite smooth under most driving conditions it leaves something to be desired when taking off from a stop tilll about 30 MPH. Sometimes I worry about pulling into traffiic because the torque is not there off idle.