CanadianDriver Technology Auto Tech: Nissan’s CVT transaxle
According to this article the Nissan "push belt" CVT approaches 97% efficiency. The torque converter locks up at 18 KPH, about 11 MPH. It feels like a direct mechanical connection. I can say that from experience.
I know my Altima Coupe has some neat features. If you shift to neutral and coast, then go back to drive, even at 50 MPH the engine is only running at 1100 RPM unless you depress the accelerator pedal. Since the car is rated as a partail zero emissions vehicle that would mean it has DFCO and that RPM would be sufficient for DFCO. If you do not shift to neutral then the RPMs are higher. Pulse and coast (engine on) is a breeze at any practical speed.
I know it coasts very well in neutral, from 47 MPH to half that speed takes .5 mile.
Cruise control does not change engine speed, just the load applied to maintain speed. I am sure if you had a sufficient grade it would change RPM, but the torque converter stays locked up with the huge range in ratios working to keep speed constant.
You can accelerate to 50 MPH and never exceed 1500 RPM, with a decent rate of acceleration. The highest "gear" ratio is equal to or higher than my old Honda Civic VX.
70 MPH is 2150 RPM indicated. If that stayed constant it would be 3000 at 100 MPH.
regards
Mech