Interesting Video Explaining The World's First, Geared, Continuously Variable Transmission.

[Aaron_W]

Do current CVTs last longer than a set of tires?

Yes, considerably longer, but not all are the same. Some like Subaru use a metal belt, some use something more like a vee belt. Sort of like the difference between a timing chain which lasts the life of the engine vs a timing belt good for 50,000 miles.

 

[Lewie]

In other words it's a variable sheave belt drive. Just like the one that was used in the car that was made in Netherlands back in about the 60s or so. Don't remember the name of it. Maybe a "google" would dig it up. NO thanks as far as I'm concerned. I want solid gears between the clutch and the wheels.
...lewie...

 

[RandyWilson]

All automotive CVT belts are metal. Earlier units used variations on the Van Doorne belt, later ones use a belt that looks more like a chain. All of them run on variable pitch sheaves.