[nonsequitur]

This controversy may prove to be interesting for all of us with the technically-advanced and outlawed-in-F1-because-it-was-too-fast Continuously Variable Transmission in our cars!

On February 14, the FIA did approve Honda's "seamless" gearbox gearbox for use starting in the first race of the year (3/6/2005).

There will be a lot of talk about "CVTs" in the coming weeks. It might make you feel good to listen.

BAR-Honda Controversy

Or, another link:
Radical box is legal - FIA- 14 February 2005

The legality of BAR's controversial 2005 gearbox was rubber stamped by the FIA.

Despite claims that the design is a form of the outlawed "continuous variable transmission" (CVT), Honda director Shuhei Nakamoto said the FIA checked the super-quick system and everything is legal.

FIA president Max Mosley, meanwhile, told British media that up to three other teams - probably Renault, McLaren and Williams - will also debut the "fascinating" technology in Melbourne next month.

He said the "seamless"-dubbed box is able to change a car's gear with "no break in power."

[jazmini]

Wow! This sounds really good. After reading about this, I have more respect for our CVTs. It will be interesting to learn about this new technology.

[Paul]

Probably technical articles out there SOMEWHERE online about this box already. Sounds interesting mind you.

[Cooper76]

Yeah, about this all I have heard has been BAR BAR BAR...but according to the top post, Williams will also be using this in t he FW27??!??! Is this the case?!

GO WILLIAMS!

[vader]

Has anyone raced / track day a CVT? What is the comparison to a stick model? I would have thought the performance would be a lot closer than the 0-60 times would suggest.

I thought the BAR gearbox wasn't designated a CVT (as they are still illegal in F1). It has a *very* short drop in power between shifts. It was just enough to stop it being classified as a CVT.

see this report

Technically, a CVT should be faster as you could always ensure the engine is at maximum power, so you would have maximum accelleration (traction willing )


Cheers,

Vader

[jazmini]

Yes, some have autocrossed their CVT MINIs, and times are within a few seconds for any MINI. Autocrossing is racing your car around cones in a parking lot for the best time. For example, the autocross times (for the best drivers) are maybe 30 to 31 seconds for a MCS, with the MCs and CVTs running around 33 to 35 seconds, if I remember right. Of course there are many variables that affect the time, and many different autocross courses. The main factor seems to be driver's skill.

[nonsequitur]

Quote: Originally Posted by vader

Technically, a CVT should be faster as you could always ensure the engine is at maximum power, so you would have maximum accelleration (traction willing )

A bunch of us have lots of fun on the track with these very capable CVT-equipped cars. I'll be running our car both days this weekend in Portland. It is not at all embarrassed by more powerful performance sedans.

Here's a thread with some story links about that time long ago... when the CVT-equipped Williams, driven to effect by David Coulthard, was banned as simply too good.

CVT History in Racing

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

A bunch of us have lots of fun on the track with these very capable CVT-equipped cars. I'll be running our car both days this weekend in Portland. It is not at all embarrassed by more powerful performance sedans.

Here's a thread with some story links about that time long ago... when the CVT-equipped Williams, driven to effect by David Coulthard, was banned as simply too good.

CVT History in Racing

The burning Scotsman in a Williams is going to be solid regardless of transmission mate!