VTi transmission


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 Szentgotthárd, Hungary.
Quality issues delayed the introduction of the VTi until the second quarter of 2002. Production ended in 2005.
The VTi can handle a maximum of 200 N·m of torque for vehicles weighing up to 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 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 torque converter is also used.
In 2004 GM extended the transmission's warranty on all 2002–2005 GM vehicles with the VTi to 5 years / 75,000 miles due to high failure rates.
Applications: