Patent ID: 7844387

Claim:
A method for consumption-optimized operation of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle in a consumption-optimized operating mode, comprising: setting an engine output of the internal combustion engine as a function of a position of a gas pedal according to a manipulated variable, the gas pedal being adjustable in a first mechanically defined adjustment range between an initial position and a specific gas pedal position; and controlling the internal combustion engine with a consumption-optimized engine output with regard to an instantaneous engine speed by adjusting the gas pedal to the specific gas pedal position, the consumption-optimized engine output causing a minimal fuel consumption at the instantaneous engine speed; wherein a second adjustment range of the gas pedal is provided following the specific gas pedal position of the first adjustment range, an increased displacement force being required in contrast to a displacement force needed for a displacement in the first adjustment range when the gas pedal is displaced from the first adjustment range into the second adjustment range, gas pedal positions within the second adjustment range being assigned to respective first additional manipulated variables for setting the engine output according to an assignment function, the respective first additional manipulated variables controlling the internal combustion engine with corresponding engine outputs which are between the consumption-optimized engine output and a maximum possible engine output at the instantaneous engine speed according to the assignment function.