Automatic transmissions also exhibit some lag in downshifting in response to the pedal.
A CVT doesn’t reduce the actual speed, but it has to change the pulley diameters and that takes a little time, maybe slower than a regular automatic transmission, because in our CVTs the engine tells the CVT what torque to press and as the pulleys change diameter for the proper ratio, it must also modulate the pulley clamping pressure to handle the torque. When changing gears, the transmission never disengages, but since we have drive by wire, I suspect that the ECU is not moving the throttle plate 100% immediately in response to the pedal, but delaying the movement so that the transmission can prepare for more torque. high.
Turbos have a two stage throttle response – the initial throttle response is that of a small displacement (lean) engine and then full power is released as the turbos spin and thrust is generated.
The turbo + CVT combo gives me a sense of disconnect between throttle and acceleration that isn’t present in manual transmission turbos I’ve owned before, and while throttle calibration can help overall response, it doesn’t change the character. internal to this combination.
There also seems to be a sensitivity to how the choke is applied. Sudden throttle position changes make the engine/transmission more likely to have that disengaged feeling because it wants to make a gear change, but a gradual throttle application is smoother, at least in my car.
I’m curious what @CoryDJeter has to say about the throttle response because he races the Gen6 XT.
