Is this some weird CVT behavior?

My understanding is that these cars use a standard torque converter. I'll l et someone else validate this or prove it false. The Justy used a very neat electromagnetic clutch that used ferrofluid to make a connection between t he motor and transmission. My guess is that clutches and transmissions will go the way of the dinosaurs very soon.

Welcome to the club. :-)

It appears the Subaru version DOES use a torque converter - a locking type same as most conventional automatics. There are CVTs that do not need or use a torque converter.

So we're both right.

Yousuf Khan

How can a car have both a torque converter and no torque converter at the same time? I'm assuming that the OP has a car with the Lineartronic transmission. It's true that not all Subaru have torque converters but all Outback models with CVTs do. Well, that's what I'd bet my $5 on.

Some cars use torque converters, some don't.

Yousuf Khan

You certainly got that 100% right.