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:
“When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and exhausting condition continuously until death do them part.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
“Walked forth to ease my pain
Along the shore of silver streaming Thames,
Whose rutty bank, the which his river hems,
Was painted all with variable flowers,”
—Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)
“Our passional nature not only lawfully may, but must, decide an option between propositions, whenever it is a genuine option that cannot by its nature be decided on intellectual grounds; for to say, under such circumstances, “Do not decide, but leave the question open,” is itself a passional decision—just like deciding yes or no—and is attended with the same risk of losing the truth.”
—William James (1842–1910)