News

RotorCVT test results and SAE-China participation

We have completed the first phase of the testing of our 25 kW RotorCVT prototype with peak efficiency measured at 87.5%.

Further development and refinement is in progress to meet the target peak efficiency of 90%

Towards producing a demonstrator vehicle we have designed a complete 25-35 kW front wheel drive RotorCVT transmission which only weighs 32 kg. This transmission is geared neutral and includes a differential and reverse.

The test result efficiency graph and details of the above design can be downloaded below in pdf format.

Varibox CVT Technologies will also participate in the SAE-China 2010 International Symposium on Transmission Innovation and China Industrialization from April 23-24, 2010 in Beijing China.


See us at CTI, Berlin, Germany, 1-3 December 2009

Varibox CVT Technologies will be exhibiting a functional 30kW RotorCVT prototype at the 8th International CTI Symposium "Innovative Automotive Transmissions" from 1-3 December 2009.

On display will also be models of the 78 ratio iCVT and RotorCVT.

Below is a link to a pdf file highlighting details of the above mentioned RotorCVT prototype.


RotorCVT prototype testing in progress

The manufacturing of the RotorCVT prototype has been completed.

Testing is in progress and test results so far indicate that the RotorCVT has the potential for significant advantages if compared to current commercial automotive CVT’s in mechanical efficiency, weight and manufacturing cost. The prototype also features a geared neutral and thus do not require a clutch or torque converter.


RotorCVT feasibility study completed

Varibox has contracted Hofer, a powertrain developer, in Germany to perform a feasibility study on the RotorCVT for application in a small passenger vehicle. The study was completed and indicated that the RotorCVT is viable for implementation in small passenger vehicles.

We are currently building a prototype of the feasibility design to be tested, to confirm the feasibility study simulation results.

The current design also indicate a significant weight reduction if compared to an equivalent commercial belt and pulley traction fluid CVT's.


See us at Automechanika 18-21 March 2009, South Africa

Varibox CVT Technologies will be exhibiting models of its iCVT and RotorCVT as well as our iCVT test vehicle at Automechanika, South Africa from 18-21 March 2009.


Varibox CVT Technologies becomes an independent entity

January 2009 marks the coming of age of Varibox CVT Technologies, previously known as Barloworld CVT Technologies, as we are now able to continue our endeavours as a separate entity from the Barloworld Group. Following a management buyout, as well as the investment of a number of investors, Varibox CVT Technologies was established.


CTI 2008 Berlin paper download

Barloworld CVT Technologies exhibiting models of its iCVT and RotorCVT at the International CTI Symposium "Innovative Automotive Transmissions" from 1-3 December 2008.


See us at CTI, Berlin, Germany, 1-3 December 2008

Barloworld CVT Technologies will be exhibiting at the International CTI Symposium "Innovative Automotive Transmissions" from 1-3 December 2008. We will be exhibiting the new iCVT model as well as RotorCVT models at stand 65.


US RotorCVT patent granted!

The US RotorCVT application has been granted. Claim 1 of this granted patent, US7416506, protects the conceptual functioning of the RotorCVT and therefore will also protect the different implementations of the concept in different applications.


iCVT conjugate cam driven ratio shifter and animation

The most recent further development of the iCVT oscillating shifting mechanism is presented below. This Oscillating shifter is driven by a conjugate cam pair and is integrated in the sheave unit. The picture to the right presents the conjugate cam pair.