There could be a new fuel mileage champion cruising into town. Captured
while undergoing a round of winter testing, the Volkswagen XL1 is a
streamlined coupe that is, supposedly, capable of averaging 235-mpg in a
mix of city and highway driving. That kind of economy is enough to make
even a green-themed hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius,
look like a veritable fuel hog in comparison. Set to arrive next year,
most likely as a 2014 model, the XL1 is delivering on VW’s decade-old
promise to bring ultra fuel-efficient motoring to the masses.
10 Years in The Making
It was back in 2002 when Volkswagen first revealed the 1-Litre concept vehicle. The car was extremely narrow, and featured a side-hinged bubble canopy that opened to reveal a tandem seat layout. The name referred to the concept’s powerful boast, that it could travel 100 kilometers on just one liter of fuel – or the equivalent of 235-mpg. Basically, it was everything a show car should be: outrageous in terms of its design and layout, and totally impractical for everyday use. VW refined the concept in 2009, though the end result (called the L1) retained the tandem seats and impractical canopy.
Judging from this grey prototype, it appears VW has taken a new approach. Expected to wear the XL1 name when it goes on sale, the car now features a side-by-side seating arrangement for two onboard, along with a pair of gullwing doors. The redesign was probably necessary to get this car green-lighted for production.
Major MPGs
As we’ve already pointed out – and VW will happily remind you – the XL1 has been engineered to return 235-mpg. A low curb weight and slippery aerodynamics are going to be hugely important, though we have no reason to doubt the teardrop shape of this prototype can deliver on VW’s promise of an outstanding drag coefficient of only 0.186. For comparison, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, one of the most aerodynamic cars presently on sale, has a 0.28 Cd.
Look closely and you’ll notice the XL1’s narrow rear track, especially how the wheels sit inward of the body. Expect the production model to feature full wheel covers, to help clean up the aerodynamics. A curb weight of 1,749 lbs. has been made possible by the use of lightweight materials, most likely copious amounts aluminum and carbon fiber. Only 23.2-percent of the XL1 will be made out of steel or iron.
Like the previous L1 concept, the XL1 will be powered by a 2-cylinder turbo-diesel. This 800 cc engine delivers 47-bhp and 89 lb.-ft. of torque. The XL1 will be rear-wheel-drive, and come equipped with VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission. Adding the extra kick to the diesel engine is a 27-bhp electric motor, which can operate with the diesel or drive the car independently for short distances. There is no official word on the XL1’s electric-only driving range, or if electric mode will be limited to low speeds.
Speaking of speed, the XL1 might be efficient, but it definitely won’t be fast. Top speed will apparently be limited to 74.6 mph. However, it’s the reported 0 to 50 mph time of 32 seconds that could pose the biggest challenge – most economy cars are roughly three times quicker under acceleration.
2014 Volkswagen XL1
10 Years in The Making
It was back in 2002 when Volkswagen first revealed the 1-Litre concept vehicle. The car was extremely narrow, and featured a side-hinged bubble canopy that opened to reveal a tandem seat layout. The name referred to the concept’s powerful boast, that it could travel 100 kilometers on just one liter of fuel – or the equivalent of 235-mpg. Basically, it was everything a show car should be: outrageous in terms of its design and layout, and totally impractical for everyday use. VW refined the concept in 2009, though the end result (called the L1) retained the tandem seats and impractical canopy.
Judging from this grey prototype, it appears VW has taken a new approach. Expected to wear the XL1 name when it goes on sale, the car now features a side-by-side seating arrangement for two onboard, along with a pair of gullwing doors. The redesign was probably necessary to get this car green-lighted for production.
2014 Volkswagen XL1
Major MPGs
As we’ve already pointed out – and VW will happily remind you – the XL1 has been engineered to return 235-mpg. A low curb weight and slippery aerodynamics are going to be hugely important, though we have no reason to doubt the teardrop shape of this prototype can deliver on VW’s promise of an outstanding drag coefficient of only 0.186. For comparison, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, one of the most aerodynamic cars presently on sale, has a 0.28 Cd.
Look closely and you’ll notice the XL1’s narrow rear track, especially how the wheels sit inward of the body. Expect the production model to feature full wheel covers, to help clean up the aerodynamics. A curb weight of 1,749 lbs. has been made possible by the use of lightweight materials, most likely copious amounts aluminum and carbon fiber. Only 23.2-percent of the XL1 will be made out of steel or iron.
2014 Volkswagen XL1
Like the previous L1 concept, the XL1 will be powered by a 2-cylinder turbo-diesel. This 800 cc engine delivers 47-bhp and 89 lb.-ft. of torque. The XL1 will be rear-wheel-drive, and come equipped with VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission. Adding the extra kick to the diesel engine is a 27-bhp electric motor, which can operate with the diesel or drive the car independently for short distances. There is no official word on the XL1’s electric-only driving range, or if electric mode will be limited to low speeds.
Speaking of speed, the XL1 might be efficient, but it definitely won’t be fast. Top speed will apparently be limited to 74.6 mph. However, it’s the reported 0 to 50 mph time of 32 seconds that could pose the biggest challenge – most economy cars are roughly three times quicker under acceleration.
2014 Volkswagen XL1
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