It would be nice if they could get an identically equipped IDX to near the same price.
It would be nice if they could get an identically equipped IDX to near the same price.
Man, too bad about no AWD 6-speed RS. That would be a nutty little car. Meh, I wouldn't buy it.
But I'd seriously consider a regular IDx to replace the Fiat when that time comes. Assuming we still have petrochemicals to burn. I've often wondered what it would be like to have to go back to gas stations after three years of driving past them. Maybe we'll find out.
I attribute the lack of 'sport' to tuning.
Yes, due to the inherent nature of the CVT we'll never have the hard mechanical engagement of a geared tranny but as technology progresses I think it's safe to say that a CVT can be tuned for snappier response at speed than has been currently provided in the Cube/Juke (one anecdotal test drive of the Juke NISMO RS claims as much). Nissan is also claiming an improved mechanical soundtrack, too. R50 MINI Coopers with CVTs have a pretty loyal following and are considered quite engaging/enjoyable at speed through the twisties, autoxing and daily driving. No, similar to the GT86 automatic-equipped cars, they are not hard-launching cars from a stop.
Much like the raison d'être of the GT86 Twins (or the CR-Z for that matter), I feel that the logic of the design of a sporty performance-tuned CVT is going to shine at speed only (and in MPGs), not in the numbers generated at the limit. If the IDx offers RWD and somewhat neutral handling, I don't think that former buyers of torque-converter transmissions are going to feel particularly disappointed with a pre-programmed needless throttle blip prior to each "downshift" in their eight faux-gears.
Last edited by novicius; March 12th, 2014 at 09:12 AM.
Fair enough, Tyler. Now we see where each of us (Greg included) is coming from. On that list you mentioned:
rx8 - No new ones
s2000 - No new ones
350z, 370z - Different type of car
cayman - Different type/price of car, unless you buy used
c5zo6 - Totally different car and price, no new ones
Sorry.
More fuel for the fire -- 2010 Nissan Maxima V6 CVT driving impressions.
TTAC weighs in.Originally Posted by NewCarTestDrive.com
Nissan has the tech out in the wild already. The Maxima V6 is rated at 261 ft-lbs. of torque as well. IMO, CVT concerns are a non-factor.Originally Posted by TheTruthAboutCars.com
That being said, here's hoping for confirmation of a six-speed manual IDx NISMO.
Last edited by novicius; March 12th, 2014 at 12:19 PM.
Motor Trend has autocross comparison impressions of the current 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO AWD+CVT vs. FWD+M6:
AWD+CVT already beats the current FWD+M6 -- unless your name is Bryan Heitkotter, of course. *#beatingadeadhorseOriginally Posted by MotorTrend.com
Really? A CVT AWD is faster than FWD MT? I didn't see the article mentioning MPG # between the 2..., wonder if those #s are on par...
Ugly car, but interesting comparisons nonetheless.
I think we need to accept that test with a grain of salt. All they're saying is that torque steer limited power transfer - and that would be a function of AWD not CVT. It could also be a situation easily cured with a different alignment or tires or somebody better at driving. Along the same lines, that test would also have little or no bearing on a less powerful RWD car - which wouldn't suffer from torque steer in the first place. However, I think the point of posting that (and correct me if I'm wrong Novi) is that the CVT is plenty good - and I'm sure it is. With a set of flappy paddles, you could probably convince yourself you're driving a fancy DSG (without the annoying stoplight behavior).