How it goes: A brand new boxer 2.5 4 cylinder engine with CVT that produces 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque.

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The U.S.-market car endures the hurdy-gurdy droning of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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It combines a 2-liter DOHC 16V Duratec (Atkinson cycle) engine and CVT with an AC synchronous motor powered by a 7.6kWh Lithium Ion battery.

ENGADGET

Others are offering continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which have no traditional gears but keep the engine at its most fuel-efficient RPM across a wide range of speeds.

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