Provided herein is a control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The transmission control module includes a CVP control module. The CVP control module is adapted to implement a cylinder deactivation control process. The cylinder deactivation control process is configured to generate and select a commanded CVP speed ratio and a commanded engine torque based on a desired NVH standard and minimum BSFC.
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