The Five Hundred sedan - along with the Freestyle crossover - represents Ford's highest-volume application of continuously variable transmissions and is expected to help make Ford the leader in CVTs. These transmissions will be standard on the Five Hundred SE series and on all-wheel-drive versions of the SEL and Limited series.

"The beauty of a CVT is that no matter what speed you're driving, it will always seek out optimal torque," said Ray Nicosia, manager of vehicle engineering for Ford's North American cars and family vehicles. "That's why it feels so responsive - you're never out of the torque band."

Continuously variable transmissions offer several key advantages, including improved fuel economy and an enhanced feeling of performance, over traditional "step" automatics.

Both of these advantages stem from the CVT's wider ratio span - the difference between the transmission's highest and lowest gear ratios. Five Hundred's CVT has an overall ratio of more than 6-to-1. That compares to 4-to-1 for a typical automatic.

The lowest gear ratio - the equivalent of first gear on an automatic transmission - multiplies engine torque to launch the vehicle from a standing start. The Five Hundred's low ratio ensures stronger off-the-line acceleration that will delight drivers.

The highest gear ratio - equivalent to top gear on an automatic transmission - is used primarily for cruising at steady speeds, maximizing fuel economy. The CVT is expected to deliver better city/highway mileage than a conventional four-speed automatic.

The CVT also allows the Five Hundred's relatively small, efficient V-6 engine to perform like a bigger engine, because it precisely matches the gear ratio to engine speed to answer the demands of quick acceleration, a steep hill or other loads.

The new ZF-Batavia CVT also is designed for ease of ownership. Maintenance recommended at 60,000 miles includes draining and refilling the transmission fluid - no filter change is necessary - and under normal use, the drive belt is good for the life of the vehicle.

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Possible source for traction drive fluid.

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Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.