The gearshift mechanism is electro-hydraulically actuated via finely-tuned sensors, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. There is also no need for a gear lever, for upshifts and downshift happen automatically with the best possible engine and gearbox shift points selected to optimize fuel economy. Gear selection - forwards, reverse or neutral - is made using a turn switch on the right-hand side of the cockpit.
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| The Auto-Stop feature in this little VW switches the engine off when the car is in overrun mode, and the vehicle then rolls without the engine running. Development engineers call this gliding - alluding to the silent flight of a glider. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
There is also a stop-start system in place. Similar to the Auto-Stop feature currently seen in some hybrid electric vehicles, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid, the stop-start feature in this little VW switches the engine off when the car is in overrun mode. The vehicle then rolls without the engine running. Development engineers call this gliding - alluding to the silent flight of a glider. The engine starts up again immediately when the magnesium accelerator pedal is depressed. But that is not all the starter-alternator does. While braking, the negative acceleration energy is fed into the alternator and recovered, similar to the regenerative braking we are seeing in the Toyota and Honda hybrid electric vehicles being sold around the world.
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| For such a small car it sure makes a lot of noise. Normal noise, vibration and harshness levels can't even begin to describe the experience, so now the 1-Litre sits silently in the VW museum. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
Last but not least is the all-important question, how does the 1-Litre Car feel when driven? Well, put it this way, the monobloc engine has to idle at 1,400 rpm just to keep running. Normal noise, vibration and harshness levels can't even begin to describe the experience.
Of course this may be one of the reasons that this vehicle now sits in a museum and not on a production line. When first started up, it trundles rather slowly and the cacophonous activity can be felt through every inch of the driver's body as the accelerator is depressed. However, once up to speed, it smoothes out to give the impression of being in a glider, again the aerodynamic allusion. Those who drove it eventually got into its rhythm, tuning into the sound of its tires on the road and the wind rushing over the canopy overhead.