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The objective of this paper is to indicate the design principals of a Continuously Variable Transmission that is physically about the size of a conventional manual transmission for the same power and torque with an equal or better efficiency and durability. The CVT will be designed for use in either a hybrid electric drive or a conventional vehicle with the addition of a torque converter and reverse gear. The design objectives are as follows: 1. About the same size as a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission for North-South engine orientation and rear wheel drive. 2. About the same weight as the 5 or 6 speed manual transmission 3. Cost about the same or less 4. Much smaller than a comparable performance rated automatic transmission 5. Fewer parts than manual transmissions and less than 1/30th of the part count of an automatic. 6. Ratio span greater than equivalent manual or automatic transmissions. 7.

The ultimate objective of this work is to develop an optimized control strategy for all wheel, independent torque control for road-going vehicles, and to use this control primarily for directional stability. Thus far only front/rear torque control has been investigated although a complete model suitable for All Wheel Drive development has been formulated. A control policy has been postulated for front/rear torque control that performs better than front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or 4 wheel drive, under some conditions. Based on the results obtained so far, an all wheel drive system with independent wheel torque control is anticipated to yield greatly improved handling under all conditions.