Volkswagen XL1 Spied In Pre-Production Testing
Copyright reasons prevent us from showing you spy photos of the Volkswagen XL1 – if you want them, take a look here . The XL1 will apparently be the world’s most fuel efficient car when it goes on sale in 2013, getting 0.9L/100 km – or about 260 mpg.
With the rear wheel now exposed, the prototypes seen here look more like a Lamborghini than anything that would suggest an undying obsession with the environment. An 800cc two cylinder TDI powerplant making 47 PS is linked to an electric motor making 27 PS. A range of 22 miles is available in pure EV mode, and power is put to the ground via a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
A 1,753 curb weight helps achieve these astounding fuel economy numbers. A carbon-fiber reinforced plastic body shell, carbon ceramic brakes and magnesium wheels are all featured. Only 23 percent of the car is said to be made from steel. Pricing is all speculative, and our initial reports suggest that the XL1 will be released in very limited numbers.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
Nice halo, let's see if some of the light from it will shine on other vehicles in the range. This type of vehicle is a great idea, but ultimately this type of performance needs to trickle down to the affordable cars. As long as they don't just show off the technology and then ditch it.
I don't like its aesthetics, even though the rear is clearly a 10-year update on the rear end of the Nardo W12, which I always liked. Horses for courses, etc.
Looks sort of like a copy of the Loremo concept, or maybe Loremo copied them in concept and looks: http://www.google.com/search?q=Loremo&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=hdz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=8HxoT-i_MZTiggfYloHSCQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CA4Q_AUoAQ&biw=1376&bih=623&sei=83xoT677BcbqgQfF--XYCQ
Let's be a little realistic, here. I'm sure that lots of people could make a car that approached these numbers if, like the XL1, they needn't concern themselves with things like passenger space (it's a two-seater), cargo capacity (next to none) or performance (we're talking Smart ForTwo levels of power). This is an interesting idea, but the magic of the Prius (over the original Insight) is that it didn't require much in the way of compromises. Even the Volt and Leaf don't ask all that much of their owners. This car has hardly any market.