The transmission that DC turned down

[betterthanstock]

I'm surprised there's no talk on this board about this, as this is about 2 years old. They used to mention Dodge and Cummins in there, but apparently now they took it off. There's lots of press releases on this, and some EPA stuff too. Some articles mention being able to idle (800-900 PRM) up to 30 or 35 MPH. I added the Dodge and Cummins Back in.





Torvec's breakthrough Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) combines the Company's innovative and patented hydraulic pump technology with patented gearing and valving resulting in a technological marvel. The transmission reaches efficiencies in ranges where others aren't even measured, and also cuts down on noxious emissions.



The configuration shown here is designed for high-torque diesel applications.



The Torvec IVT™ design was an offshoot of our already proven tracked vehicle steering mechanism. The transmission can bolt into existing drive trains with no redesign of the automobile. There is no economic penalty in choosing the IVT™ to replace existing automotive transmissions.



The IVT™ is designed for reliability and durability. There are over 70% fewer parts to fail, all key wear parts operate in hydraulic fluid containment, and there is minimal metal on metal contact. Safety is also inherent in the design. The IVT™ is equally as safe as a conventional transmission, there are very few functions to control and the transmission eliminates vehicle creep (forward movement) at idle while in Drive.

The IVT™ configuration displayed above was able to obtain 18. 2 MPG in a Cummins diesel powered 3/4-ton 4x4 Dodge Ram truck in city-speed driving conditions, as was confirmed by an independent testing company

 

[67guzzler]

Here a link: http://www.torvec.com/products_ivt.html

 

[bmoeller]

They've been using IVT transmissions in Ag appliactions (tractors) for several years. Have heard they are pretty nice. Never used one though.

 

[betterthanstock]

Don't go calling them about buying one, I got no reply 2 years ago, and they are still in the prototype stage. It's patented too. I wonder if it's reliability, or just too much auto transmission and stickshift engineering going down the drain on the part of established manufacturers?

It would be nice to be able to idle up to freeway speeds in traffic, and blast thru at 2900 rpm with zero slippage and no shifts when racing.

 

[betterthanstock]

They claim 0-60 in 8 seconds with stock EPA engine, without even trying to go that fast. I bet 5 sec sprints are easy with a few extra ponies.

 

[SS]

(I thought this was going to be an Allison transmission thread. )



Hmmm... let's see... a new OEM transmission technology from a company that started in 1996. With the number of guys that didn't like hearing about the G56, I'd hate to see the outcry if Dodge said they were putting in an IVT for 2007! Put the Turbulator on your fuel line and you'd be sure to get 50mpg! Just kidding, but really it's not hard to get a patent, build one truck, and make some claims. Call me a skeptic...

 

[rbattelle]

I couldn't find anything but marketing mumbo-jumbo on that site... no technical details.



-Ryan

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

It's been talked about a few times (I just did a search on torvec):



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59482&highlight=torvec



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104985&highlight=torvec



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108740&highlight=torvec

 

[rbattelle]

I watched some of their videos. One thing they show is a "comparison" between a tracked utility truck (presumably with their transmission in it) and a stock Jeep. I'm not clear on the purpose of the comparison, as I'm of the belief that a tracked vehicle - regardless of transmission - will outperform almost any wheeled vehicle in mud due to the low ground pressure and remarkable traction afforded by tracks. [Is that a valid opinion?]



The apparent idea of the transmission sounds awesome, but I think we need more info.



-Ryan

 

[betterthanstock]

(I thought this was going to be an Allison transmission thread. )



Hmmm... let's see... a new OEM transmission technology from a company that started in 1996.

Torvec in 1996? I think our differentials (Torsen ) are designed by torvec guys and licensed out to others, so we already use their designs. What I meant is they've been testing this since spring of 2002, how long is long enough?

 

[SS]

I believe the Torsen diffs may be used in the Hummer H1 and available aftermarket, but not in the Dodge. The company may or may not have some good stuff, but I'm saying that one piece does not mean they are ready for production. I think they would probably have to have a million miles or more including max trailer, hot/cold, etc. before it would even be taken seriously. 18. 2mpg in the city on one truck? I think I could do that on mine (of course I have the 6-speed). You can be sure that if it were cheaper, more reliable, and got better economy, every OEM would be knocking on their door (who knows? Maybe they already are... )



But stuff like this is what really makes me wary - used to see a lot of this in junk e-mail form:

"This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company and its plans for future operation, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. "

 

[rbattelle]

Well said, TorqueWagon!



-Ryan