Test F1 Williams FW15C CVT at Pembrey in Wales

In 1993 Williams ruled the Formula 1 with a high tech car the FW15C. Williams made use of e.g. active suspension controlled by computer setting it up perfectly for every corner. Williams was a leap ahead of the competition and was also making progress on other areas such as the transmission. Together with Van Doorne’s Transmissie Williams was working on the development of Continously Variable Transmission. The push belt CVT offered the advantage of allowing the engine at peak engine capacity. This leaded to a special sound as there was no engine rev. drop during cornering. Also it was a new experience for the driver. At that time David Coulthard was the driver. The main advantage of the CVT was that it was faster than the auto shift transmission. Unfortunately the new technology was banned before it could be raced in Formula 1, because it was to good and would result even more seconds of Williams racing ahead of competition. However CVT was banned in Formula 1 it proofed CVT Pushbelt technology is suitable for the higher torques. Next the 30 mm belt was developed resulting into the production of the 30/12 belt suitable for torque levels up to 350 Nm.