Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Option
It is worthy of note that not all 440s or 460s fitted with automatic gearboxes had the CVT (constantly variable transmission) version, the majority having a conventional 4-speed automatic. The CVT gearbox, as fitted to some of the second generation 440/460 series, differs from the earlier, rubber belt driven system as employed in the previous 340. The system as used in the 400 series makes use of steel belts, and was known as 'Transmatic'.
This differs from the rubber belt-driven system in the 340, which was known as 'Variomatic'. A dispute arose over Volvo's use of the Transmatic system in the 400 series, with DAF claiming in court that Volvo did not have permission to use the Transmatic system. DAF won the case, leading to the withdrawal of the CVT gearbox from the options list some time after. This, as well as the curious operating nature of the CVT gearbox, mean that relatively few CVT-equipped 400 series cars exist.
Read more about this topic: Volvo 440/460
Famous quotes containing the words continuously, variable and/or option:
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—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
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—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
“A self-respecting nation is ready for anything, including war, except for a renunciation of its option to make war.”
—Simone Weil (1909–1943)