1975 VW SuperBeetle specs
1 Answer
They did, the AutoStick was introduced in the 1968 model year. It is a clutch-pedal-less, 3 speed, dry clutch, torque converted, semi-automatic transmission. In other words, the driver shifts without the use of a clutch pedal. All the driver has to do is to let up on the gas, change the shift lever position, and re-engage the gas pedal. Shifting is accomplished electrically with the aid of a vacuum system. The actual AutoStick transmission is basically the same as the manual in its two top ranges (first and second range in an AutoStick correspond to third and fourth gear in a manual). The AutoStick may be driven by going through the ranges, Low, First, and Second OR it may simply be left in First for around town driving. It is definitely NOT an automatic transmission in the sense that term is used today. Performance in a well maintained AutoStick is close to that of a manual, but a manual does have an slight edge in acceleration and top speed