Oct 24, 2001
Bosch Automotive Systems Corporation
Secretary's and PR Office
Tel. +81-3-5485-4112
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) introduced for super utility vehicle and front engine rear wheel drive applications

The right way to ultimate smoothness
Staying at the forefront in engineering and development thanks to decades of experience in the field of continuously variable transmissions, Bosch/VDT now has a worldwide ranging expertise on CVT-technology. The history of the CVT push belt started in 1971 with the foundation of Van Doorne's Transmissie (VDT) in the Netherlands.
Due to many years of experience with electronic transmission controls and the integration of the Dutch company VDT in 1995 into the Bosch corporation, Bosch now is the competent partner for continuously variable transmissions.

Excellent driving conditions with higher fuel economy
Driving a CVT equipped vehicle is a completely new driving experience. With the CVT, the transmission ratio is adjusted continuously without reduction of the torque between engine and driven wheels, eliminating gear-shifting and shocks. The CVT technology permits the engine to always operate in its most efficient range and allows the optimization of the drivetrain control with respect to power and fuel consumption. Today, all Japanese car manufactures incorporate the CVT technology in their vehicles. The CVT has proven its reliability in more than three million vehicles. Due to an increased demand of possible converted power, the CVT is currently being developed for full size vehicles, especially for the USA market.

Innovation and high power development
Bosch/VDT's extensive research and testing are resulting in continuous development and innovation of the CVT technology. In August 2001 in Detroit, USA, Bosch/VDT presented the first prototype for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) the large-size 4 X 4 drive vehicles which are currently popular on the American market.
The new VDT Rear wheel drive P960 CVT concept has been designed, and in close cooperation with a car maker, installed and evaluated in a 5.4 liter V8 SUV. The P960 high torque application for rear wheel drive is designed on a "two stage" principle with a ratio coverage of 6.9. This special application achieves power levels of over 400 horsepower.

Besides the excellent performance and high power, the P960 CVT application also provides excellent fuel economy. First fuel consumption tests achieved a two percent reduction on the City-Cycle and a 15.5 percent reduction on the Highway-Cycle. (Reference same vehicle with a standard 4AT).
Building on the existing CVT technology expertise, Bosch/VDT will constantly develop and innovate their continuously variable transmission components and therefore remain the competent partner for automotive powertrain control.