Internal Storage; Transmission - Toyota Prius User Manual

Internal Storage

Hidden Drawer

Transmission

CVT Type
Design
Operation
Lifetime
Prius User-Guide
This drawer often takes a very long time for owners to discover, since it is located underneath the
cupholders between the front seats near the floor.
It is ideally for storing tissue. By removing them from the standard cardboard box, a surprisingly
large stack can be neatly placed inside.
"Planetary" is the type of CVT that Prius utilizes.
It has nothing in common with the other type of CVT currently available, called "Cone & Belt".
Technically, Prius really doesn't have a transmission since nothing ever shifts. There are no gears.
There are only power-carriers. All they do is rotate, and they are permanently engaged.
The physical components within the "Planetary" CVT bare a striking resemblance to those within a
differential (the power-transfer mechanism found on all vehicles). In fact, they even serve the same
purpose.
Due to the fact that the "Planetary" CVT is nearly identical to that of a differential, the expectation
is that it will last just as long. So you can confidently predict it will operate without worry for the
entire lifetime of the vehicle.
42 of 53 Last Updated: 9/30/2006