New VPI

Interesting! Yes, it does appear to be an idler wheel approach. The Music Direct ad touts sonic benefits. I don't know what to make of it. Here's a link:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72076

Jimmyhaudio,
Just going by the photos, it appears that two electric motors are rotating a flywheel using belts (two per side = four belts?). A big disc (idler wheel) is afixed to the flywheel's shaft and rotates with it. A rubber O-ring encircles the idler wheel and moves with it. The rubber O-ring is in tangential contact with the rim of the record platter and causes the platter to rotate via the friction of the contact pressure. I hope to be able to see (hear!) one of these someday.

I still have three old idler drive tables: Dual 1019, Miracord 50H, and an old Fisher OEM'd from BSR. I remember the arguments against them (in favor of belt drive) include reducing flutter from motor cogging and rumble from motor bearing vibration. Perhaps VPI's use of belts between motors and flywheel and use of a flywheel serve to avoid these problems. The proof of the pudding is in the listening.

Fleschler,
Thanks for your informative comments.

Would you please explain what you mean by "RM"? I was looking at the ad photo, but I couldn't figure out what you were referrring to.