Torvec Addresses Tougher CAFE Rules Proposed by NHTSA

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 29, 2003 -- Torvec, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: TOVC.OB) announced today that its technologies should enable auto companies to substantially comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposals to close regulatory loopholes to force automakers to raise gas mileage for sport utility vehicles and trucks in accordance with tightened Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. NHTSA's proposals (Reuters, December 22, 2003) are described as the most sweeping changes to emission standards in nearly 30 years, since they confirm that federal regulators intend to enforce CAFE standards and explicitly apply them to SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks.

Torvec announced on November 10, 2003, that independent tests had confirmed that its 3/4-ton 4x4 Dodge Ram truck, utilizing the company's infinitely variable transmission (IVT) with a diesel engine, generated a 96% improvement in fuel mileage over that obtained by a gasoline-powered, 4-speed automatic 4x4 truck of comparable weight and horsepower to the most popular SUVs. The test also confirmed that Torvec's 3/4-ton diesel truck ---

  -- Generated a 38.5% improvement in fuel efficiency over a same-model
     Dodge 4x4 diesel truck with a 4-speed automatic; and
  -- Generated a 28.5% improvement in fuel efficiency over a same model
     Dodge 4x4 diesel truck with a manual transmission

Torvec's IVT supports compliance with CAFE standards without economic penalty to automakers because it enhances their ability to follow European trends by manufacturing SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks with the most-advanced diesel technology which has been proven to be the equal of gasoline-powered vehicles without being noisy or smelly. However, unlike the Europeans, 85% of the American market demands automatic, not manual, transmissions, and the inability to find an automatic transmission that works efficiently in conjunction with diesel engines has proven to be a major drawback to the use of diesel engines in the U.S. Torvec's IVT eliminates this problem and would enable automakers to manufacture diesel-powered vehicles that achieve the fuel efficiency and emissions standards required by CAFE rules.

Specifically, Torvec's IVT allows diesel engines to operate at very low revolutions per minute (RPM) in city driving. Torvec's test vehicle demonstrated the ability to go from zero to 23 miles per hour (MPH) with 802 RPM (50 RPM above idle). This achievement is in contrast to all existing transmissions with torque converters which have to operate at higher RPM to function efficiently. The reader may wish to attempt to drive his or her vehicle at 23 MPH while never exceeding 802 RPM. Engines that run at lower RPM use less fuel and create less pollution than engines -- gas or diesel -- that have to run at much higher RPM to drive the vehicle.

Torvec, Inc. specializes in automotive and related technology. The company holds numerous U.S. and international patents protecting inventions such as a steering drive and suspension system for tracked vehicles, infinitely-variable transmission, hydraulic pump and motor, constant velocity joint, and spherical gearing. Ice Surface Development, Inc. is advancing technologies to improve driving experiences for industrial, commercial, and consumer vehicles by eliminating the hassle of ice removal and loss of traction. For additional information and presentations, please visit www.torvec.com and www.icesurfacedev.com.