LS600hL CVT artificial?
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
LS600hL CVT artificial?
In various reviews, some reviewers talk about the "TRUE" CVT on the LS600hL, while others imply only a perceived CVT: " ... uses planetary gears in a super-smooth system in which the switching among eight gears is imperceptible ...". This quote was from http://www.newcarpicks.com/index.php...tory_id=232526
So which is it? Is the transmission truly continuous with artificial points for manual switching, or is it a modified gear system with the perception of CVT?
Anyone know?
HBH
So which is it? Is the transmission truly continuous with artificial points for manual switching, or is it a modified gear system with the perception of CVT?
Anyone know?
HBH
#3
Pole Position
From a purist's point of view, it still is a geared (albeit planetary), so there's some shifting going on.
The generally accepted "true" CVT is in fact a belt & pulley system, and its origin can be traced back to Leonardo Di Caprio (aka Da Vinci).
You can read about the various CVT types here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continu...e_transmission
Summarizing the Lexus approach:
The generally accepted "true" CVT is in fact a belt & pulley system, and its origin can be traced back to Leonardo Di Caprio (aka Da Vinci).
You can read about the various CVT types here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continu...e_transmission
Summarizing the Lexus approach:
Although sold as a CVT it is in fact not such a device as the gear ratios are fixed and the transmission is actually a Power Split Transmission (PST), allowing either the electric motor or the ICE (internal combustion engine) or both to propel the vehicle.
#4
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I guess I don't get it.
So Lexus is being untruthful when they say that the LS600hL has a CVT?
It's just an ordinary 8-speed transmission with extra-smooth shifting due to a link with the electric motors?
HBH
So Lexus is being untruthful when they say that the LS600hL has a CVT?
It's just an ordinary 8-speed transmission with extra-smooth shifting due to a link with the electric motors?
HBH
#5
It's a CVT (planetary gear set). The manual mode "simulates" 8 gears (just like how the Murano's CVT has a manual mode that simulates 5 gears or how the GS450h has 6 virtual gears).
#6
Pole Position
Not trying to split hairs here, but Toyota calls it a "Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)", not a CVT. Some industry writers have latched on to the latter terminology. In reality, it is a Power Split Transmission (PST). The end result is "similar" (technically), however it can't be termed as a pure "infinitely variable" system, unlike a belt & pulley system. By the way, a planetary gear setup is a lot more durable and low maintenance on a car whose dynamic loads fluctuate greatly.
Last edited by Johnny; 05-31-07 at 01:14 AM.
#7
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Ok, as a retired software developer, I guess I'll just have to be content with the old joke:
How many programmers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
None, that's a hardware problem.
I'll be interesting to see how it feels and performs compared to the LS460 8 speed....
Especially to see if the downshift hesitation problem still exists. The only negative in both the 460 and 460L was the same complaint I had in my '03 LS430. When you're going around 30-40 mph, and press the accelerator to the floor (passing, or on an on-ramp) there's a 1-2 second hesitation before downshifting, which is very disconcerting.
Hopefully, with a new transmission, it won't be on the LS600hL...
HBH
How many programmers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
None, that's a hardware problem.
I'll be interesting to see how it feels and performs compared to the LS460 8 speed....
Especially to see if the downshift hesitation problem still exists. The only negative in both the 460 and 460L was the same complaint I had in my '03 LS430. When you're going around 30-40 mph, and press the accelerator to the floor (passing, or on an on-ramp) there's a 1-2 second hesitation before downshifting, which is very disconcerting.
Hopefully, with a new transmission, it won't be on the LS600hL...
HBH
Last edited by Helmar; 05-30-07 at 04:08 PM.
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#9
I'll be interesting to see how it feels and performs compared to the LS460 8 speed....
Especially to see if the downshift hesitation problem still exists. The only negative in both the 460 and 460L was the same complaint I had in my '03 LS430. When you're going around 30-40 mph, and press the accelerator to the floor (passing, or on an on-ramp) there's a 1-2 second hesitation before downshifting, which is very disconcerting.
Hopefully, with a new transmission, it won't be on the LS600hL...
HBH
With a CVT (PSD or cone/belt), there won't be a hesitation because there's no need to downshift. Just punch and go. The only time you'll have a "hesitation" is if the engine's off and needs to be fired up (i.e. you were driving in EV mode and for whatever reason needed to accelerate hard)
#10
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
There's in interesting tutorial about the Lexus planetary gearset system here:
http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/demos/Tutorials/planetaryGear/index.html
http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/demos/Tutorials/planetaryGear/index.html
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