Terms & Technologies

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Design Shift Control (Select Vehicles)

What’s the Benefit?

The CVT provides better fuel efficiency36 as well as improved acceleration, when compared to a conventional automatic transmission.


The Feature:

Honda engineers decided that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) would be the ideal automatic transmission to offer for greater efficiency.

  • The CVT’s unique, stepless shifting system operates more smoothly than a conventional automatic.
  • The range of drive ratios available is infinite, allowing optimal engine tuning for efficiency.
  • A metal drive belt runs between a pair of variable-width pulleys.
  • When a gear-ratio change is needed, one set of pulley faces is pushed together, and the other is drawn apart.
  • A special computer-controlled, hydraulically actuated system changes the CVT’s ratios during driving.
  • Honda CVTs use G-Design Shift Control to prevent excessive engine revving—an annoying characteristic found in conventional CVTs.