CVT Supercar Concepts & More: 10 Cool Cars With CVTs
For over a century, changing gears, whether manually or automatically, has been fundamental to the driving experience. However, an alternative exists: the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Historically facing mixed reviews, CVTs use belts and pulleys instead of fixed cogs, offering theoretically infinite gear ratios for smooth power delivery. While some critique the lack of traditional driver engagement—a point becoming less distinct with single-speed EVs—CVTs offer unique advantages, primarily in efficiency. Once relegated to economy models, this technology is increasingly found in surprising applications, from sporty sedans to performance concepts exploring Cvt Supercar potential. Let’s explore ten cool cars that defy expectations by utilizing CVT technology.
10 Surprising Cars Featuring CVT Technology
10. Audi A7 3.0 TDI
Audi’s premium A7 Sportback line offers various engine and transmission pairings, from efficient four-cylinders to potent V8 Quattros. Regardless of the specific configuration, the A7 maintains a sleek, desirable presence in the luxury segment.
Front view of a silver Audi A7 Sportback with Multitronic CVT
Embodying their “Vorsprung Durch Technik” (Advancement Through Technology) slogan, Audi implemented its CVT technology under the “Multitronic” name, available in both gasoline and diesel variants. The 3.0-liter TDI diesel model paired with Multitronic produced 201 hp, enabling a respectable 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds, showcasing CVT integration in a premium performance context.
Side profile of the Audi A7 showcasing its sleek Sportback design
9. Subaru WRX S4 STi
Subaru created a special edition WRX S4 STi exclusively for the Japanese market in 2016. This model proved highly desirable, with its limited run of 500 units selling out within just two weeks, making it a rare sight.
Blue Subaru WRX S4 STi performance sedan with CVT transmission
While essentially sharing the core WRX STi formula—a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 296 hp to all four wheels—this S4 STi variant made a significant departure. It featured Subaru’s Sport Lineatronic CVT as the only transmission choice, omitting the typically favored 6-speed manual and demonstrating CVT application in a dedicated performance model.
Rear three-quarter view of the limited edition Subaru WRX S4 STi
8. GT By Citroën
The likelihood of encountering the GT by Citroën on public roads is extremely low. Initially revealed as a concept car in 2008, plans were later made for a very limited production run of just six examples. Many gamers will recognize its distinctive shape from its feature in the Gran Turismo 5 racing game, where it was available as a digital download.
Futuristic GT by Citroën concept supercar featuring a unique CVT
The virtual version in the game featured a hypothetical hydrogen fuel cell powertrain generating 778 hp. However, the planned production version adopted a more conventional Ford modular V8 engine running on gasoline, rated at 646 hp. Detailed performance figures remain scarce due to its rarity, but equipped with a custom CVT (or ‘circle transmission’), the GT’s estimated top speed was around 180 mph, marking a true concept Cvt Supercar.
Rear view of the striking GT by Citroën concept car design
7. Lexus RC 300h Coupe
Hybrid powertrains have transitioned from niche technology, often associated with models like the Toyota Prius, to mainstream adoption. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, skillfully integrated hybrid tech into appealing packages, like their RC coupe line.
Sharp front view of the Lexus RC 300h hybrid sports coupe with CVT
Introduced in 2016, the RC 300h demonstrated that a mid-sized luxury sports coupe could blend style, sportiness, and efficiency. Its powertrain combined a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, yielding a total system output of 223 hp managed via an electronically controlled CVT (eCVT). While not exceptionally fast (0-60 mph in around 9 seconds), it offered a refined and cool hybrid coupe experience.
Rear three-quarter view of the stylish Lexus RC 300h coupe
6. Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR presented a striking coupe design, but underneath its sharp lines, it shared its foundation and powertrain with the Chevrolet Volt, albeit re-tuned for a premium feel.
Front three-quarter view of the Cadillac ELR luxury plug-in hybrid coupe
After an initial launch and cancellation, the ELR was briefly relaunched for the 2015 model year. Despite its potential as a stylish alternative to cars like the Prius, its high initial list price of $75,000 limited sales to under 3000 units. The car utilized GM’s Voltec powertrain, based on the Delta II platform. This system paired twin electric motors with a four-cylinder gasoline range extender, delivering up to 233 hp in later models, managed through an integrated CVT-like drive unit.
Rear view of the angular Cadillac ELR showcasing its design
5. Lexus LC500h
Lexus advanced its hybrid sports coupe concept with the LC500h, a more powerful and sophisticated offering that tackled CVT performance perceptions head-on with innovative transmission technology.
Sleek front view of the Lexus LC500h multi-stage hybrid performance coupe
The LC500h featured a new “Multi-Stage Hybrid” powertrain, combining a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motors for a total output of 354 hp. This enabled impressive performance, with Lexus claiming a 0-60 mph time under five seconds. Crucially, the transmission was a revolutionary design: a custom dual-transmission setup integrating a 4-speed automatic gearset within the planetary CVT structure, aiming to provide both efficiency and a more direct driving feel.
Dynamic rear view of the powerful Lexus LC500h coupe
4. Honda S660
In Japan’s dense urban environments, compact “Kei” cars offer practical transport solutions. However, Honda proved small doesn’t mean boring with the S660, a micro two-seater sports car delivering driving thrills.
Front view of the sporty Honda S660 Kei car with available CVT
Resembling a scaled-down NSX or S2000, the S660 is arguably one of the coolest Kei cars. Its tiny dimensions house a mid-mounted 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine adhering to Kei regulations by producing 63 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed paddle-shift CVT, offering brisk enough acceleration (0-60 mph around 10 seconds) for enjoyable city driving.
Rear three-quarter view of the compact mid-engine Honda S660
3. Mini Cooper Convertible
When BMW revived the Mini brand, it brought the beloved ’60s icon into the modern era with updated engines, features, and, notably for early models, an optional CVT transmission alongside the standard manual.
Classic Mini Cooper Convertible design featuring an optional CVT
The relaunch was immensely successful, establishing Mini as a distinct brand. Subsequent models included the sportier Cooper variants and, from 2007, a convertible option. The Cooper model featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 173 hp, well-suited to the car’s fun-to-drive character, which could be paired with the available continuously variable transmission in its early iterations.
Side profile of the fun Mini Cooper Convertible
2. Toyota GR Yaris
The discontinuation of the standard Yaris model in some markets presented Toyota with a challenge for its World Rally Championship (WRC) program. Collaborating with Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota developed the GR Yaris, an exceptionally potent homologation special.
Aggressive front view of the Toyota GR Yaris rally-bred hot hatch
The GR Yaris defied small-hatch expectations. Gazoo Racing engineered it around a powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 268 hp. This power is channeled through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. While the source material mentions a CVT option, the production GR Yaris primarily utilized a 6-speed manual transmission, with a performance-oriented 8-speed automatic becoming available later, showcasing its focus on high performance rather than conventional CVT application. Fitting this potent powertrain and AWD system into a three-door hatch body was a remarkable engineering feat.
Rear quarter view highlighting the wide stance of the Toyota GR Yaris
1. Williams FW15C
In 1993, the Williams Formula 1 team dominated the sport, fielding the FW15C, one of the most technologically sophisticated race cars ever built. It featured advanced electronic systems controlling ride height, active suspension, and complex engine modes, all aimed at maximizing speed.
Iconic Williams FW15C Formula 1 car which tested CVT technology
Powering this marvel was Renault’s RS5 3.5-liter V10 engine, producing around 850 hp. Seeking further advantages, Williams engineers explored improvements beyond the standard 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. Shortly before the 1994 season, Williams successfully tested the FW15C equipped with a custom-designed CVT. The potential lap time improvements were substantial. However, just two weeks later, the FIA banned CVT transmissions in Formula 1 before the technology could be used in competition, highlighting the perceived performance threat of a high-performance CVT.
Front view of the technologically advanced Williams FW15C F1 racer
Conclusion: Beyond Efficiency
Continuously Variable Transmissions are often stereotyped as purely efficiency-focused components for mundane vehicles. However, as these examples show, CVT technology has appeared in a diverse range of cool, sporty, and technologically advanced cars. From luxury hybrids like the Lexus RC and LC, to limited-run performance models like the WRX S4 STi, and even groundbreaking concepts like the GT by Citroën cvt supercar study and the briefly tested Williams F1 car, CVTs have proven their versatility. While traditional gearboxes still dominate the high-performance sphere, the continuous evolution of transmission technology keeps challenging expectations and pushing boundaries in unexpected places.
