April 30, 2018—The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback will have a launch gear to optimize transmission efficiency and a connecting rod of high strength steel to reduce weight.
The Dynamic-Shift CVT transmission has the first launch gear in a passenger vehicle CVT.
Having a launch gear facilitates improved transmission efficiency in lower gear ratios where belt efficiency is typically poor. The transmission system utilizes gear drive when starting from a full stop, resulting in acceleration, while at the same time, resolving the momentary sluggish feeling that was previously present during accelerator operation, according to the press release. When switching from gear drive to belt drive, the transmission system uses highly responsive gear change control technologies cultivated from automatic transmission technology.
