The next piece of new technology is not a Chrysler innovation, but is
actually something used by
Nissan Motor Company for a few years in the
Murano. their compact sport utility vehicle. This innovation is, of course,
the continuously variable transmission, or CVT, which is produced by JATCO.
Unlike many automatic transmissions, which use a fluid filled torque
converter to turn the transmission and a series of shift bands and internal
clutches for the various gears, this system uses a torque converter, a
rubber belt, and an input pulley and output pulley, each on a center shaft.
These are not pulleys in the traditional sense, but each pulley is actually
a pair of very low degreed cones. As the rotational speed of the cones
increase, they slowly move further apart, allowing the belt to slip further
into the groove, thus altering the drive ratio. While several companies are
currently using various forms of the CVT, some functioning by means of
centrifugal force or hydraulics, the new Caliber works by means of an
electronic control based on engine RPM and speed. One of the reasons that
Chrysler opted for the electronic control is another one of their unusual
innovations on the new Caliber. With the exception of the European (and
possibly US) diesel model an AutoStick system is offered, to give the driver
the feel of control, and the familiarity of a band and clutch style
transmission, while still having the advantages of the CVT. While this new
AutoStick CVT system is new and relatively unproven, it is believed that
with the lack of the many moving parts within a 'normal' automatic
transmission, this transmission will yield far less drivetrain loss, thus
bolstering the fuel economy, and performance. This transmission also offers
a much more smooth transition from a stop to cruising speed, as there are no
actual shifts taking place, the jerking motion often associated with the
shift of an automatic transmission, or the lag between gears, is eliminated.
While the CVT will likely be offered in all American models, the
Volkswagen diesel will be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission,
although many enthusiasts (ourselves included) are hoping for a manual
transmission mounted in the SRT-4 model.
This new Caliber has the standard front wheel drive of the Neon, but for
those who want a sport wagon with sport utility capabilities, an all new
electronically controlled All-Wheel-Drive system is offered. The biggest
complaint with many "all time all wheel drive systems" is that the added
drivetrain weight causes for decreases fuel mileage This system uses an
electronically controlled coupling, which monitors the wheel speed and
vehicle speed to control the amount of torque to the front and rear wheels,
by means of an "on demand" system. Under normal driving condition, the
Caliber AWD system is literally only front wheel drive, but should there be
a call for all wheel drive, such as loss of traction and sudden increased
wheel speed of one or both front wheels, the system engages the rear wheels
for increased drive wheel traction. Also, during stints of spirited
driving, the AWD system engages to ensure proper traction and acceleration.
Overall, this system allows for the best possible traction in this new
crossover, while still allowing for an estimated fuel mileage rating of
around 20mpg in the city, and 30mpg on the highway.
When the CVT is combined with the new all-wheel-drive system, this
drivetrain has less moving parts, and more on demand performance features,
to give the optimum efficiency, and a smooth foot steady ride in all
conditions, while still having less drivetrain loss when compared to many
standard all wheel drive systems with automatic transmission. While some
other manufacturers have had issues with the CVT transmission, extensive
testing has hopefully ironed out the problems so that only the promising
positive features will show themselves in this new Dodge Caliber.
