[P-hack]

cvts are a compromise though, they are more lossy than a manual since they have a lot more contact area (plus cost and reliability issues). So there are higher peak efficiencies in a manual which can be capitalized on by a good driver who shifts and throttles to stay within bsfc peak range.

Also most descriptions of CVT's indicate that they keep the engine at max power, not max efficiency (accelerating assumed), so trying to out-think the cvt controller for max efficiency might be daunting. This is always a concern with automation (my prius is a nightmare to drive for max efficiency compared to a stick shift).

FYI, my prius acts like a cvt at times, in "heretical" mode it takes power from the engine using mg1 as a generator and applies it to the wheels via mg2.