In thinking about the technology manufacturers are using today to save fuel, I recall Audi tried something different back in the 1980's, on the 5000, I believe. Does anyone recall an automatic offered by Audi that "freewheeled" like it was in neutral when there wasn't a need for power? I think they called it the E transmission or something like that referencing "economy"? My memory about what the transmission did may not be right but I recall them trying something; obviously unsuccessful in the long run. Thanks in advance for sharing what you may remember about this.

It was in an older (1982?) Audi 5000 (Type 43 body, I guess) Diesel. Yes, it freewheeled.

I'll ask the owner for details when I see him next.

the stickers are still on it so I'll look for a code tonight - interesting!
Cheers!

Tranny died and the previous owner had a normal autobox installed. But my shifter still has the 'E', which now is 'D' :).

Supposedly it did exactly what you said, it disengaged when at rest, and engaged when power was applied (like a centrifugal clutch would do). Supposedly one of it's functions was to have the diesel car "rattle" less at idle :).

My grandpa was videoing random family stuff, and my Aunt and Uncle happened to be looking at a '83 5ktd that day at my dad's old dealership...I was tooling around in an electric powered Rabbit powerwheel trying to make it go faster, ha!!