So I can read a little bit of Japanese and every now and then, I hop over to the Japanese version of Nissan's website because it has a bunch of cool things to look at. I take a glance at the Skyline and notice there is now a newer version of one. The latest trim is the 350GT-8. As you know, 350GT is the same as our Infiniti's G35. According to the webpage, the 350GT-8 uses a CVT transmission and a picture of the console showed the driver in 8th gear manual mode.

Now, I know how the CVT transmission works, but I've never actually seen it applied to any vehicle before. I know they're supposed to be more efficient. Traditionally, an expert driving a manual transmission will beat an automatic. But what about when a manual is tested against a CVT transmission? Anyone know?

 

CVTs are in use on many production vehicles such as the audi a4, honda insight and nissan murano.

 

My friend's got a Murano. His transmission is acting up. He can feel what is like a downshift rather than a smooth transition. I don't know if it's a problem with a lot of Murano's or just his.