Are there any cars out there running hyrdostatic setups? It seems like a really cool idea. Having variable vein impellers... drag racing launch control? idk just throwing it out there.

 

I'm not sure what that is exactly, but your username is awesome...

 

excerpt from eHow:

"
<li class="section">Overly Responsive

• Vehicles with a hydrostatic transmission have to be driven with extreme care when it comes to acceleration and gears. Light pressure on the pedal can propel the vehicle forward uncontrollably. Even a slight miscalculation can result in the vehicle losing torque and swaying. This makes HST a highly limited choice. It is only used on vehicles such as tractors.
  
  

Inefficient

• HST is not known for engine efficiency. According to Fluid Power Journal, its efficiency is 20 percent lower than sliding gear transmissions. Vehicles with lower efficiency tend to have a reduced lifespan. Lower efficiency means greater load on the engine, higher maintenance costs and more wear and tear. The pump and motor units of hydrostatic transmissions are also prone to frequent damage.
  
  
  

Expensive

• HST vehicles are oil guzzlers. When engines are not properly lubricated, maintenance problems can occur, so frequent oil changes are required. This makes vehicles with hydrostatic transmissions expensive to run.
  
  

"

 

Just to add, hydrostatic is very heavy, as the pumps and motors must have strong cases able to withstand high pressures.

My business is mainly hydrostatic drive machines, and our systems are built to run at 7,000 psi or so charge pressure, and spike to 10,000 easily. The systems are very expensive as well, generally to replace 2 drive pumps and 2 motors is around $25,000. Add in hoses, drain lines, coolers, valves, controllers, and you are talking another 5-10,000 easily.