Audi Gearless Transmission ...how does it work?

[Sig]

I have seen several AUDI commercials lately advertising there "new" transmission that uses a metal chain to drive it and is without gears. I was curious if anyone could explain the basics behind a gearless transmission.
Thanks

 

[Michigan NSX]

I believe it is based on a snowmobile type CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), only using a chain instead of a belt. We run a similar set-up in our SCCA Formula 500 race car (using a belt not a chain). There is an article in this months (June) issue of SportsCompactCar that explains Audi's system.

HTH

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'91 Black/Black

 

[Michigan NSX]

You can also look here.

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'91 Black/Black

 

[PUREVIL]

Wasn't there a verison of the Honda Civic that had a CVT tranny? I remember reading about it in Motor Trend where they thought it was really strange to hear no shift changes.