An impressive toroidal infinitely variable transmission, claimed to deliver "significant benefits over competing offerings", should cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while also increasing productivity.
So says Italian firm Carraro DriveTech, which expects to develop the concept for tractors and off-highway vehicles in the 40—160bhp range.
Its VaryT transaxles – which combine a stepless transmission and the vehicle axle in one unit – are based on Leyland-based Torotrak's full-toroidal traction technology.
Not only is the transmission ratio is continuously variable and independent of engine speed, but it also allows full traction at zero ground speed.
Carraro DriveTech says that, as a result, vehicle control becomes simpler and more intuitive than existing systems. Launch and reversing clutches, for example, have been eliminated and the new transmission also delivers accurate cruise control, regardless of external load.
