Technology is at the forefront of the new generation of automobiles. Consumers and regulators alike are calling for greater efficiency and lower emissions, and innovative utilization of technology will be the only way to deliver on those demands. This is precisely why automakers like Mazda are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess their policies involving fuel-saving stop-start technology.

The EPA currently currently inhibits automakers from fully testing stop-start technology and bringing it to market in the U.S. This feature is used outside of the U.S .to shut off the engine when the driver applies the brakes. When the driver releases the pressure on the brakes, the engine will start again.

Mazda and other automakers are limited by the EPA’s city-mode test, which provides automakers with only a modest .1 or .2 miles per gallon gain in start-stop testing. Meanwhile in Japan, different regulations help this technology yield 33 to 37 mpg in city driving.

With an extra $500 cost to consumers for this technology, it isn’t currently available on Mazda vehicles as it simply wouldn’t be worth it. However, with new EPA rule changes expected in 2010, stop-start technology could become available with a higher rating soon.

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Continuously Variable Transmissions, also known as CVTs, are all the rage among manufacturers and consumers. These unique transmissions do not have several set gears like most transmissions, but rather have an infinite number of gear ratios. Compared with a traditional transmission, the CVT determine the optimal ratio based on throttle application and other engine characteristics.

The CVT transmission has several unique advantages to a convention automatic transmission. This includes improved performance as the transmission alters ratios while accelerating so that the engine doesn’t run out of revs. Secondly, the infinite ratios also help maintain cruising speed steady and helps to reduce emissions while improving fuel economy. Some CVTs, such as those on vehicles at Nissan Washington DC, can even be programmed with pre set fixed ratios and emulate an actual manual transmission with lightning fast response.

While the CVT transmission offers numerous advantages over traditional automatics, it’s not perfect. Driving feel is one substantial complaint heard at Ford Service San Diego. Most drivers are used to the sound and feel of an automatic, but without those sensations, a CVT seems to almost not be performing accurately. Usually mated to four cylinders, CVT equipped cars also deliver an irritating hum that’s constant as opposed to the ups and downs of a conventional automatic. Some will also notice a lack of power, thanks to a general lower torque capacity with these transmissions.

Many automatic transmissions, especially close-ratio six-speed autos, are simply more compelling. Not all drivers will complain about the CVT, but many will find that it takes some getting used to. But despite complains, the CVT is finding its way into more vehicles. One Los Angeles Honda parts retailer sees fuel economy as being a major concern for automakers and consumers alike, and the CVT is a simple and low-cost tool to help new cars muster a few more miles per gallon. The CVT is most prolific in Nissan’s lineup, but has found its way into Hondas, Mitsubishis, Fords, and many other new cars in an attempt to maximize efficiency. Perhaps if all CVTs were as fun as the paddle shifter-equipped version on the Nissan Rogue they would be even better, but many drivers will still find it difficult to walk away from the conventional automatic.

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