Couldn't we have had a 4th choice for "It makes my head hurt"?

It's impressive, it's clever, and when I concentrate, I can understand it. But part of me still thinks it has no right to work, sort of like people who still think the world is flat.

But as to "is it a variable ratio transmission," that depends on which ratio you're referring to. ICE speed vs. drive shaft speed? Yes.

Would-be hypermiler