General Motors “VTi” Electronic Continuously Variable Transaxle

The VT25-E transmission introduced by General Motors for the 2002 model year is the first variant of GM VTi variable transmission family. The VTi is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT). It is the first North American, high volume production CVT. This CVT enables fuel economy improvements over traditional step gear transmissions, with an improved packaging, wider ratio spread, neutral idle and complete absence of shifts for driver comfort. The VT25-E utilizes a controlled slip converter clutch in conjunction with electronically scheduled ratios and an integrated electronic throttle control to operate the powertrain at its most efficient level. A dual-lobed fixed displacement vane pump and jet nozzle filter arrangement provide the source pressure to a multi-tiered hydraulic control system. The multi-tiered hydraulic control system helps to achieve the precise control necessary to meet the durability requirements of this demanding market. The transaxle's architecture provides a packaging envelope equivalent to a manual transmission.