I really don't think they could swap the Civic tranny in. From what I have seen, the engines and engine bays are completely different. Everything is much smaller in the Fit. I also think it would be illogical for Honda to design an entirely different automatic for the US, when they already have a working one, the CVT-7. When you consider the economies of scale, designing, building and certifying a different transmission for one market just doesn't make sense. Then again, not offering the Civic Type R in the US didn't make sense either. We shall soon see.

 

Civic Type R is made in the UK. Does Honda USA import any vehicles from the UK!!!

 

Is the US Civic a L-Series engine or still E-Series? If E-Series it would not be an easy swap just like trying to put the K20 engine into the Fit.

You won't believe how tiny and tight the engine bay of the Fit is. No photos do it justice.

The 7 speed part of the CVT is virtual. They are just arbitary points on a continuous curve. You could make it 43 speed, 400 speed or 1 speeds its all the the same. Continously variable transmissions are nothing like traditional auto gearboxes.

 

yes those are "SIMULATED" shift points to remove the linear feel of the cvt.

the final drive ration of the cvt effects the highway mpg the most.

 

So the Fit could have the CVT tranny, and Honda could say it is a "5 speed" and get away with it - just change the "shift points", right?

 

Good question - answer tomorrow...

 

It is tomorrow over here. Guess I will have to wait until Monday. I'm going to San Diego for business on the 22nd. I don't imagine there will be any shows around there then?

 

Honda Element...

 

1 New MX5 (Miata)

2 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata (Still new on lot)

2 Mini Cooper S

3 Mazdaspeed 3 if they ever do that

4 Used S2000

 

After reading the MPG figures for the Fit & possible MSRP, it seems I might just as well consider the "06" Civic

 

VW Golf V (due out summer '06). IMO, better looking than the Fit and VWs handle and ride great. Unfortunately, they're more expensive, get worse mileage and the reliability is questionable.

 

rsx type-s and integra GSR

 

After seeing the gas mileage figures for the new fit I'm considering an 1989
Honda Crx Hf. 50mpg city 56mpg hiway according to fueleconomy.gov

 

suzuki swift might be a nice alternative...

i've to say that the design kind of "copying" mini though..

 

you don't want anything from VW. lmao.

for example, DIY-ing with VW needs 3 tools whereas Honda needs 1. etc...