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Originally Posted by Civicsman
Absolutely correct! I don't know how I forgot about that.
It's not just engine RPM, it's the most efficient speed-load point. A point in the engine RPM and load map where the engine is very efficient, and the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption is minimized.
This ability to operate an engine at an optimized speed-load point was also supposed to be one of the advantages of the continuously variable transmission. The CVT can continuously change the effective drive ratio for the vehicle, while the engine stays at the most efficient speed-load point.
The problem is that people don't expect the engine to be a "one-note song" and think there is something wrong with the vehicle. Cars with CVT's have met significant resistance because of that. Some manufacturers have actually taken to simulating conventional engine/automatic transmission sounds to keep the customer in their comfort zone.
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It does take a bit of getting used to at first. But after a while, when you drive something else -- you realize there's the engine is almost ALWAYS running at the wrong speed.
That's bad for both fuel consumption and emissions. It also shortens the life of the engine -- and annoys the driver.
You just don't realize you're being annoyed anymore. But you're always driving in the wrong gear.
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Bob Kerns:
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Obviously, we can't have infinite voltage, or the universe would tear itself to shreds, and we wouldn't be discussing Segways.
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