It is going to be interesting to see what public acceptance of the new American cars with CVT transmissions is going to be. Ford corporation is putting them in brand new models, and offering them against a new 6 speed automatic, which is a decent choice too. People are used to feeling an automatic shift gears and some people will be put off by the feel of the CVT on their first test drive of one. The next question is what does it feel like? Does it have a fair amount of engine braking like the AN650, or has it been programmed to "coast" more like a conventional automatic? I really am curious, and will try to line up a test drive sometime this year. The magazine road tests will play a part also - I am sure the CVT and the 6 speed will be tested side by side for performance & economy. This may already be happening - I haven't picked up a car magazine lately.
I think that it is way to early to tell if this will be a failed experiment, or a smash hit. If initial buyer reaction to the CVT is negative, will Ford stay with it and try to win public acceptance over a longer timeframe? Will the CVT prove to be reliable right from the start or have "teething" problems?
I hope it is a winner, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it just yet.