The Volkswagen XL1 might seem like a concept car fantasy, but Volkswagen has confirmed that a production model that averages 314mpg will go on sale later this year.
The XL1 is the culmination of a project to produce a car that could travel 100km (62 miles) on one litre (0.22 gallons) of diesel. It started with the 1-litre concept car of 2002, which developed into the 2009 L1 and 2011 XL1 concept cars.
In production form, the XL1 looks all but identical to the concept car. The sleek shape and covered rear wheels help to give an aerodynamic drag figure of just Cd 0.189.
At 389cm long and 115cm high the XL1 is shorter than a VW Polo and lower than a Porsche Boxster. In total it weighs just 795kg, and only 23 per cent of the car is made from steel or iron.
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is used for the bodywork; other lightweight parts include magnesium wheels, ceramic brake discs and aluminium dampers, steering system and brake calipers.
Power comes from a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 47bhp two-cylinder diesel engine with a 26bhp electric motor. Drive is to the rear wheels, through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery and can power the car alone at low speeds for about 21 miles
VW quotes CO2 emissions of 21g/km; top speed is 99mph and the XL1's 0-62mph time is 12.7 sec.
An initial production run of 50 cars has been confirmed for 2013, but more could follow, depending on demand.
Prices have yet to be confirmed and Volkswagen says that no decision has been made on whether the XL1 will be sold in the UK. If it is, it will be available only in left-hand drive form.
More details of the XL1 will be revealed at the 2013 Geneva motor show on March 5.
Article source: www.telegraph.co.uk