The Torotrak full toroidal traction drive technology has been proven in a range of applications, the most familiar being a V8 SUV where double figure fuel economy improvements were delivered in a durable, smooth and refined package.
Novel transmission architectures, new approaches to roller control and improvements in hydraulic design and operation have delivered significant parts count and cost reductions together with system efficiency, performance and package improvements.
The result is a family of new transmission design concepts in both ‘clutch start’ Continuously Variable Transmission and ‘geared neutral’ Infinitely Variable Transmission format.
Automotive applications are from high torque RWD / SUV vehicles to low torque FWD vehicles.
This paper describes the new designs, transmission layouts and roller control mechanisms, with particular focus on FWD / transverse applications in the A, B and C sector vehicles.