A vehicle is operable in three modes of operation. The vehicle includes a first electromagnetic device, a second electromagnetic device electrically coupled to the first electromagnetic device, and an engine coupled to the first electromagnetic device and configured to drive the first electromagnetic device to provide electrical energy. In each of the three modes of operation, whenever the engine drives the first electromagnetic device to provide the electrical energy, the first electromagnetic device operates without providing the electrical energy to an energy storage device.

A vehicle may include a continuously variable transmission which requires non-recycled air. The continuously variable transmission may provide non-recycled air to a first number of sheaves of the continuously variable transmission with a second number of air supply conduits, the second number being less than the first number. A cover of the continuously variable transmission may have a unitary body.

A method of operating a first electric machine and a second electric machine in a vehicle drive includes operating the vehicle drive in a first operating mode by operating the first electric machine to regulate electrical power at a bus to maintain a first voltage on the bus and operating the second electric machine to consume electrical power from the bus. The method includes operating the vehicle drive in a second operating mode by operating the first electric machine to consume electrical power from the bus and operating the second electric machine to regulate electrical power at the bus to maintain a second voltage on the bus. A sum of the electrical power regulated by the first electric machine, the electrical power losses, and the electrical power consumed by the second electric machine is zero in the first operating mode and in the second operating mode.

A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor. A method of making an ATV with the drive package is provided.

A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

A limited slip differential (LSD) is mounted on a driven axle of a vehicle to drive left and right wheels. To control the LSD, a speed of the vehicle is determined. A value of a preload for application to the LSD is also determined. The value of the preload is based on a predicted engine torque and on the speed of the vehicle. A preload is applied to the LSD when the value of the preload is greater than zero.

Clutch temperature management in a slip control method and arrangement for a drivetrain including a continuously variable transmission is described herein. The drivetrain includes a clutch that is so controlled as to slip when a torque higher than the usable torque attempts to pass through. The temperature data from the clutch is used to determine the usable torque. Accordingly, the clutch prevents the prime mover from stalling.

A hybrid vehicle system includes an engine, a transmission mechanism, first and second clutch mechanisms, a motor generator, and a forward-reverse travel switching mechanism. The engine outputs torque. The transmission mechanism converts the torque at a predetermined transmission gear ratio. The first clutch mechanism allows and disallows power transmission between the transmission mechanism and a drive wheel. The motor generator is coupled to a power transmission path between the first clutch mechanism and the drive wheel. The second clutch mechanism allows and disallows power transmission between the motor generator and the drive wheel. The forward-reverse travel switching mechanism is coupled to a power transmission path between the engine and the transmission mechanism. The forward-reverse travel switching mechanism is coupled to a countershaft. The forward-reverse travel switching mechanism switches among a forward-travel direct coupling state, a reverse-travel direct coupling state, and a neutral state.

A work vehicle includes an engine and a belt-type continuously variable transmission device provided on a lateral side of the engine and configured to (i) receive power from the engine and (ii) output the power to a traveling device while varying the power in terms of speed. The belt-type continuously variable transmission device has (i) an intake port which is present in the transmission device case and through which cooling air is sucked from outside the transmission device case into the transmission device case as a result of rotation of the rotary fan and (ii) a first exhaust port which is present in the transmission device case and through which the cooling air is discharged from inside the transmission device case as a result of the rotation of the rotary fan. The first exhaust port is present on a side of the exhaust pipe on which side the engine is present, and faces the engine.

A vehicle configuration wherein the center of mass of the vehicle is approximately superimposed upon the passenger and driver centers of mass when seated within the vehicle. An occupant's center of mass can be approximated using a standard center of mass position approximation, or a combination of any number of standard center of mass position approximations. The vehicle's center of mass can be approximately superimposed upon the occupant's center of mass in at least the longitudinal and vertical directions.