VTi transmission

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The VTi is a continuously variable transmission for automobiles. It is fully automatic, electronically controlled, and designed for transverse front-wheel drive use. The VTi is assembled at a General Motors/Fiat joint venture plant in Szentgotthard, Hungary.

Quality issues delayed the introduction of the VTi until the second quarter of 2002. Production ended in 2005 in favor of the GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission.

The VTi can handle a maximum of 147 ft·lbf (200 N·m) of torque for vehicles weighing up to 4630 lb (2100 kg), with gear ranges from 2.61 to 0.44. A 2.15 reverse gear is also specified. The effective final drive ratio is 4.35.

It uses two sets of 12 steel bands (Van Doorne belts) inside a die cast aluminum casing. GM claims that the CVT's bands, normally a weak spot in CVTs, are reliable for at least 100,000 miles. A 225 mm (8.9 in) torque converter is also used.

In 2004 GM extended the transmission's warranty on all 2002 - 2004 GM vehicles with the VTi to 5 years / 75,000 miles due to high failure rates.

Applications:

• 2002–2004 Saturn VUE (GMT315)
• 2003–2004 Saturn ION Quad Coupe
• Opel Astra

[edit] References

• (Nov 1) "GM bets on CVT, Vue. on the Saturn Vue - Will introduce its continuously variable transmission CVT". Ward's Auto World.
• (March 13) "GM to restart VTi production, extend warranty". SaturnFans.com.