Tom Ace wrote:
> On Jan 13, 7:47 am, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>> Remember who introduced 10-speed systems, which are much more expensive
>> for no real benefit for most riders?
>
> I love this line from a car review: "Remind me again why Lexus needs
> an eight speed transmission? Oh yes; Mercedes has a seven speed."
> http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reviews/lexus-ls-460/
>
wow, the disillusionment and paranoia on this group is spectacular.
particularly when fed by insufficient understanding.
the truth is, engines are fuel efficient in relatively narrow rev
ranges. if you want better fuel economy, use more gears.
the extreme example is continuously variable transmission [cvt] -
something very popular for small cars in countries outside north
america. [why it's not popular inside north america is a whole
different topic.] it's even been sold on some cars here, subaru and
honda spring to mind, and is very reliable. the 96-2000 honda civic hx
for example can routinely achieve 55mpg, somewhat better than the
current honda civic hybrid. [it achieves this by keeping revs very
narrowly confined and varying the transmission ratio by tiny increments
to match speed.]
for higher torque associated with big heavy luxury cars however, cvt
doesn't measure up, hence a higher number of conventional gears. oh,
and if you want speed/power, you can keep the revs up near peak output
much better with more gears too.
