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The new Saturn SUV, when produced, will be the first SUV to come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). I've been fascinated by this technology ever since I first read about the DAF car that had a CVT as standard equipment. I've been waiting to purchase my own CVT-equipped car ever since. I'm still waiting.
The Dutch have been the world leaders in CVT technology, and will provide the articulated steel belt that is the heart of this particular type of transmission. Van Doorne Transmissie BV of the Netherlands will exclusively supply the belt, which will account for nearly a third of the cost of the transmission.
Of course, since it's an SUV, I don't think I'll get one, but eventually they may put one in a real car. Currently, only Honda offers a CVT-equipped car, and it's only a 2-door, unsuited to porting a small child in a carseat. I'll still have to wait.
------------------ A cheeseburger, french fries and a vanilla shake. It's not the best meal; far from it. But it is perfect, the Holy Trinity of American cuisine. --James Lileks http://members.tripod.com/~Bob_Baloo/index.htm
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Hey, this is just what DAF (Van Doorne=DAF) needs to get out of financial troubles I think, which is good for Dutch economy. So buy that car people, and help me!
------------------ "I suppose you thought I was dead? No such thing. Don't flatter yourselves that I haven't got my eye upon you. I am wide awake, and you give plenty to look at." Household Words, Aug. 24, 1850 From the Raven in the Happy Family
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