What is a continous variable tranmission?

Answer 1

Constantly Variable Transmission was a new form of Automatic Transmission first introduced by Daf (which subsequently became part of Volvo way back when). Not to get too technical, it works on a series of belts which move up and down on a cone system. I have never understood the advantages, as the system was never particularly smooth on gear ratio transfer, and led to the engine almost constantly revving at weird revs. Ford Motor Co. (among others) tried introducing it on the Escort range back in 90's, but it was never popular, and did not have very good reliability record. Another variation is a system under on-going development by a company called Torotrak in Leyland, Lancashire,England. This system is also constantly variable, but does not use expanding belts, but a type of ball rollers on a cone. Looking at this new system of theirs,they have good backing from many major vehicle manufacturers, and if the developments are successful, they should revolutionise the way we fit Auto Transmissions in the (not too distant) future. Their applications reputedly will be suitable for all vehicle types, and will allegedly improve economy on a grand scale.