a toroidal variable speed traction drive is provided . the drive comprises a driving toroidal disc assembly and a driven toroidal disc assembly . the toroidal disc assemblies have a common axis of rotation . a plurality of roller assemblies are interposed between the toroidal discs . each roller assembly comprises at least one roller . the toroidal discs are urged together against the interposed roller assemblies by an axially directed clamping force . each roller of each roller assembly contacts each toroidal disc at contact points . the driving toroidal disc assembly is driven by an input drive shaft which provides an input torque . the driven toroidal disc drives an output structure , that rotates around the common axis of rotation , the output structure driving an output shaft . an interposed clamping arrangement is provided between the driven toroidal disc and the output structure , the interposed clamping arrangement provides the axially directed clamping force which is proportional to an output torque experienced by the output shaft .