For the 1968 model year, the Volkswagen Beetle offered an
optional transmission marketed as Automatic Stickshift which was essentially a three - speed manual without a
clutch pedal.
Both the standard manual stick - shift gearbox and the
optional Sportshift ™ transmission benefit from a modified
clutch and flywheel, reducing
clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5 kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.