5.3.13 Manual variator control mode
The so-called virtual gears started being used in modern cars, when using a variator. Shift paddles for shifting these gears up and down are installed under the steering wheel. There are separate positions on the selector that are marked, as in the case of the Tiptronic, by the symbols "+" and "-". Gears are called virtual, because there are no gears as such, but there are only a few (depending on the manufacturer's imagination) fixed positions of the driven and driving variator pulleys.
Good to know
It is necessary to get used to driving a car with a variator, because due to the lack of gears, the electronics tries to maintain the engine speed in the most efficient range of operation. Therefore, it can produce the impression that the engine is “howling” and is constantly overloaded. However, many manufacturers manage to get rid of this shortcoming by introducing more advanced control systems.
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