The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will hold the honor of having the first continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the brand offered in the United States. The CVT is rumored to be mated to a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine in their venture with DaimlerChrysler AG and Hyundai Motor Company. Being down a bit on luck, Mitsubishi is looking to score and the continuously variable transmission may just fill a void in the fleet's fuel economy rating: CVTs are known to average up to a 20 percent decrease in fuel consumption. By using a series of belts and pulleys (instead of traditional gearing), CVTs transmit a robust and efficient amount of power to the wheels. Check out more on the CVT-equipped Lancer at AutoWeek.