User 121523

This is probably a stupid question, but I don't understand how paddle shifters work when coupled with a continuously variable transmission (e.g. in 450h). Isn't CVT by definition gear-less? What would the paddle shifters be "shifting"?

faifai83

My understanding is that a CVT is more like a cone while a traditional transmission is more like gears on your bike.

The paddle shifters on a CVT would mean the car is "slotted" into an artificial gear.

Justin2JZ

The gears are simulated. Look at this vid. The Max is CVT but the driver is shifting in manual.

spwolf

it basically makes your car work the rpm's like "normal" transmission. I did not try it in Lexus hybrid, but I did try super-cvt from Toyota (very different) and manual shifting was great.