CVT Transmissions - Opinions Please!

[ToroTVR]

Has anyone out there had experience of or own/owned a vehicle with CVT (continuously variable transmission) like the new Audi system for example, if so what are your opinions of it, what is it like to drive, is it better on fuel etc? All opinions welcome.
Cheers. Andy.

[ToroTVR]

Bodo,

Very interested to hear about this new type of transmission, is it the Torotrak IVT ( Infinately Variable Transmission ) currently being developed for BMW by Getrag? If not I would be very interested to hear more of this as I have an interest in the transmissions of the future.

Cheers, Andy.

[ToroTVR]

Interesting comments chaps! You are correct in saying that belt drive CVTs are limited in the torque that they can handle, however, the Torotrak IVT that I referred to does not use belts and pulleys, it is a "traction drive" transmission using a series of rollers and discs or "toroids" and a special fluid developed by Shell called traction fluid. The main advantages of this system (and indeed the reason for its development) is that it gives (proven in tests!) 28% better fuel economy than a current 4 speed auto and 17% better fuel economy than a manual transmission with better performance and drivability. It also has no limit on torque and is currently in the final stages of development for the US SUVs which have anything up to 7 litre V8s, Ford & GM are developing the Torotrak system and have been doing for 6 years plus. The Torotrak system is also being developed by two leading HGV manufacturers rumoured to be Volvo and Scania. Currently the series 4 gearbox is being developed for front wheel drive cars, the factory have a Ford Mondeo fitted with one and this gives amazing fuel economy!! By the way Torotrak is a British company based in Leyland, Lancashire. Have a look at their website to see how it works, there are some very nice colour diagrams and a superb explaination of how it works etc. Look at www.torotrak.com by the way I do not work for them!!!!
Andy.