Torque and Power Bands of the CVT

[ahhbeebee]

I'm curious to know if anyone has seen published powerband and torque band charts for Rogue and effect of the CVT. I understand that the CVT is meant to maintain the engine within its powerband, but some of my recent experience on the highway leads me to believe that power and torque drop off quite dramatically during periods of quick acceleration. Let me set up the scenario:

Cruising at about 115-120 km/h (70 mph); 2200 RPM, then in an effort to pass two cars (while going down hill), foot on the accelerator, speed up to 155 km/h (? mph); engine RPM up to just over 5000.

I don't know if my perception of power and torque was just off because the CVT is more effecient, but it certainly didn't feel like I was pulling away at peak power. Any thoughts?

[kerrton]

Without the power/torque charts it's hard to say, because you have no way of knowing what the throttle position was, and what the gear ratio was @ 5000 rpms, or any given scenario. It's that infinite gear ratio thing that makes it hard to know what's going on at any given time, but I'm not an expert, maybe Philip can give some input.

I frequently experience this exact same scenario, but when I accelerate hard and hit around 5000 rpm to pass, the response feels very brisk with lots of torque, almost like I get sucked back into my seat a little. I'm very happy with the responsiveness and power of the Rogue during passing. There are other scenarios when I don't feel the CVT is that responsive or providing maximum torque, mainly at low speeds (5 to 15 kph) in the low rpm range when I want to accerate a little harder, and the CVT seems reluctant to gear down a little bit and increase the rpms.

[paulvanharte]

Just my two cents. I agree with Kerrton. Going slower sometimes when its in the highest gear and unless you boot it, the car feels sluggish and seems to have lack of torque. I just use the paddle shifters or shifter to change gears. I specially use the manual mode to slow down instead of using the brakes. Was very handy in the mountains. I actually was very impressed with the all around performance of the engine/CVT. When trying to pass I would just manually shift to a lower gear and I never felt short of power. There are some reviews that suggest the Roque is noisy. My wife and I actually find this car extremely quiet going highway speed.

Paul

[ahhbeebee]

I'm on board with the fact the Rogue performs well on the highway, and second the experiences off the line whereby torque seems extremely low. I'll have to try it a few more times to draw a conclusion, but my experience is different from kerrton's re: torque at high revs.

I'm not sure, but my guess is that there is simply a longer delay while the CVT is adjusting those gear ratios to produce peak power, because certainly I can 'feel' when its in the 'zone' and while there, power and torque are excellent.

[philipa_240sx]

Rogue motor specs:

170hp @ 5600rpm175 lb-ft @ 3900rpm

This motor feels alot like the 1st gen QR. It's all low RPM power & torque.

- About 80% of peak torque is available between 2000-4000rpm.- After you pass 5500rpm, HP and torque drops off like a stone. Anything north of 5000 rpm doesn't seem to produce much acceleration.

The CVT seems tuned for the hp peak at 5600rpm. In theory this should give max acceleration, however because it stays at a constant rpm your brain 'thinks' you aren't accelerating. I think this has alot to do with it. I certainly feel the acceleration with the butt dyno, but my brain thinks it's not accelerating.