VTi transmission

Not to be confused with VTi Engine.

The VTi is a continuously variable transmission for automobiles. It is fully-automatic, electronically controlled, and designed for transverse front-wheel-drive use. The VTi is assembled at a General Motors / Fiat joint venture plant in Szentgotthárd, Hungary.

The VTi transmission from a Saturn Vue. The torque converter fits in the large round area.

The same VTi transmission from the opposite side.

Quality issues delayed the introduction of the VTi until the second quarter of 2002. Production ended in 2005.

The VTi can handle a maximum of 200 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) of torque for vehicles weighing up to 2,100 kg (4,600 lb), with gear ranges from 2.61 to 0.44. A 2.15 reverse gear is also specified. The effective final drive ratio is 4.35.

It uses two sets of 12 steel bands (Van Doorne belts) inside a die-cast aluminum casing. GM claims that the CVT's bands, normally a weak spot in CVTs, are reliable for at least 100,000 mi (160,000 km). A 225 mm (8.9 in) torque converter is also used.

In 2004 GM extended the transmission's warranty on all 2002–2005 GM vehicles with the VTi to 5 years or 75,000 miles (121,000 km), due to high failure rates.

Applications:

• 2002–2005 Saturn Vue (GMT315)
• 2003–2004 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe
• 2002–2004 Opel Vectra C (under the name CVTronic)

References

• "GM bets on CVT, Vue. on the Saturn Vue - Will introduce its continuously variable transmission CVT". Ward's Auto World. November 1, 2001. Archived from the original on January 6, 2005. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
• "GM to restart VTi production, extend warranty". SaturnFans.com. March 13, 2004. Retrieved 2025-10-18.