Trabant 601

Trabant 601S

The Trabant 601 was the third and most built model produced in the GDR Trabant series. It was built under the designation P601 1964-1990 at Sachsenring Zwickau automobile plants.

The Trabant 601 sedan was produced as a two-door model from 1964 series; the three-door station wagons "Universal " replaced from September 1965 Trabant 600 " Kombi". From 1967, the " bucket (601 A F) " was produced - it served primarily as a military version for the NVA, the GST and the Forestry Commission as a jeep. Civil ( " Tramp" ), he was barely visible in the GDR, as it was produced mainly for export to countries such as Greece.

History

As was the Trabant 601 in 1963 presented with 150 zero series vehicles, he was certainly be called modern. The body was - changed especially in the front and roof area - compared to the type P50/P60. The rear end has been modified ( three-chamber tail lights, higher loading lip ). All in all, the new design was praised. It corresponded to the then very modern double trapeze style. The engine initially provided still only 17 kW (23 hp). Originally, the production of 601 of about 1967 had been planned until 1971. From 1969 offered the P601 19.1 kW ( 26 hp ), from 1974, the engine with needle bearing to the connecting rods, which allowed a mixed lubrication of 1:50. Through the two-stage gasifier type 28 H 1-1 with pressure point in the accelerator pedal, the fuel consumption could be reduced from 1984 to about 1 l/100 km, he was now in the test average was 6.9 l mixture 1:50, the top speed of the sedan was tested in this test with 107 km / h measured. For continuous full throttle or during operation with a (camping ) trailer ( ie: use of the second stage gasifier by fully depressing the accelerator pedal) was the consumption due to the system but still rise sharply. The type P601 has a free run in fourth gear, that is when releasing the accelerator pedal, the engine ran despite inlaid fourth gear at idle; he pimped a only when the engine speed after accelerating rise again, so that the car could be accelerated.

In several decades, only small changes were made at the Trabant. The once -date technology increasingly outdated and the reputation of the Trabant deteriorated still further. A negative impact on sales figures but this had not - waiting periods of ten years or more were not unusual for a new vehicle. The price of a Trabant was in 1985 for the cheapest version, the 601 standard, 8500 Mark and for the most expensive version 601 Universal S de Luxe 9700 Mark. Optional extras were available at this time a storage area under the instrument panel, interval windshield wipers, and a hazard warning flashers.

A model change was planned more frequently in Zwickau with the P602, P603 or P610. Design proposals were often measure with Western competitors, and even on larger engines or alternatives such as the Wankel engine was researched. However, these were always blocked by sides of the East German government, as they deemed unnecessary and the extra costs were feared.

Even the successor produced from 1990 Trabant 1.1 received only minimal external changes. At first glance, the new model was to be recognized only to the revised rear lights, a modified grille and the rear right now mounted filler cap. The design effort, however, was immense, as only a few parts were not revised. These changes, however, are seen only at a second glance.

• , ( To radios not to disturb ) bucket, Tramp ( intended for export civilian variant of the bucket from 1978), not known as Hycomat bucket with shielded ignition system and auxiliary heating

Specifications

Differing data for combi: 3560 mm long, 1510 mm wide, 650 kg curb weight.

Engine compartment of the Trabant 601

Trabant 601 Universal as a fire fighting vehicle

Trabant 601 bucket

Trabant 601 in rallying

Trabant 601 de Luxe

Exhaust pollution

The Trabant has a reputation as a " bad stinker " is inserted. The exhaust gases are due to the high content of hydrocarbons ( C n H m ) very clearly visible and can be smelled. The environmental impact can be measured but not alone then. The Trabant emits only one-tenth of smog -causing nitrogen oxides ( NOx) of a comparable four-stroke engine. The carbon monoxide emissions (CO) is within the limits. The Trabant 601 is without a catalytic converter not a environmentally friendly car, but not detrimental to the environment to the extent that it is subordinate to him because of the blue plume. During the years of political changes there have been numerous efforts to develop a catalytic converter for the Trabant 601, in particular to reduce the odorous hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Because of the high price and technical immaturity of such a two-stroke Kats have not really installed.

Crash Test

1990/91 has been much debate over the safety of the Trabant, which was possibly so unreasonable that he should be quickly withdrawn from circulation. Lenses crash tests the Alliance made ​​for clarity. The Trabant 601 deforms in a frontal impact no more than a VW Polo I, the stability of the passenger compartment complies with international regulations. Since the Trabant an effective crumple zone but almost completely lacking, the kinetic energy can not be converted into deformation energy and therefore has abruptly to the occupants. This particular leads to abnormally high values ​​in the head acceleration ( well over 100g). Furthermore, the two-door Duroplastkarosserie ( ignition temperature: 800 ° C) and the front bergen einbaute tank an increased risk of vehicle fires.

Important system changes

• Introduction of type " bucket " for the army (Type P601A ) or for " Tramp" for forest holdings (type P601F )
• Introduction of the equipment variant "luxury" with roof paint finish in second color, two-tone interior trim, chrome bumpers etc.

• Use of duplex brakes at the front wheels

• Introduction of the motor P63 (or P64 for Hycomat ) with a maximum output of 19.1 kW ( 26 HP ), connected with new exhaust system
• Permutation of the brake light (top to bottom) and direction indicator (bottom to top) to the tail lamp; orange light exit lens for the turn signal

• Standard equipment with improved heating with mixing chamber, air distribution and defroster
• Equipped with windshield wipers in variants " special request " and "luxury"

• Introduction of the motor P65 (or P66 for Hycomat ) with needle bearings, connecting rods; thereby reducing the oil -fuel mixture ratio of 1:33 to 1:50
• Facilities with updated instrument panel for variants " special request " and "luxury"
• Equipped with hazard lights in variants " special request " and "luxury" ( for "Standard" from 1983)

• Standard equipment improved heating system, in which the intake air is passed along to the exhaust manifold

• Equipment variant " de luxe" replaces previous version " luxury "
• Equipment with imitation leather covers for seats and rear seats optional for versions " special request " and " de luxe"

• Introduction of the equipment variant "S de luxe " (type P601LX/KX ) with finish package ( art leather, textile carpets) and electric package ( car radio Tesla Spider 3, fog light, trip odometer )

• Adjustment of the equipment variant " de luxe"
• Elimination of facilities with car radio when electric package
• As standard use of a dual-circuit brake system

• Conversion of the board electrics from 6 to 12 volts with a new alternator
• Equipped with fuel gauge, rear window defroster and head restraints for variant "S de luxe"

• Standard equipment with adjustable height H4 headlights
• Standard equipment with new carburetor 28H 1-1 of BVF and instantaneous fuel consumption display ( KMVA )
• Equipped with fog lights and exhibitable rear side windows in the variant "S de luxe"

• Standard equipment with electronically controlled ignition system ESE -2H
• Optional equipment with Glashubdach for variants " special request " and "S de luxe"
• Optional equipment with car radio RFT A341

• Introduction of screw -sprung rear axle

Exporting countries

• Czechoslovakia
• Poland
• Hungary
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Yugoslavia
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Finland
• Iceland
• Norway
• Greece
• Egypt
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Denmark