Volkswagen XL1 concept uses 0.75 litres/100km | CarAdvice

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Volkswagen XL1 concept uses 0.75 litres/100km

By Anthony Crawford |
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If I told you that Volkswagen had developed a car that could return 0.75 litres per 100 kms (313 mpg) and emit just 24 grams of CO2 per kilometre, is that something you might be interested in?

Volkswagen has unveiled such a car at the Qatar Motor Show, and it’s the latest iteration of the German car company’s Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV).

The figures are astonishing and would no doubt be of grave concern to the major oil companies.

The XL1 is a rear-wheel drive plug in hybrid, powered by an 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common-rail diesel engine, developing just over 35 kW or 48 HP. The additional power source is an electric motor generating a little over 19 kW, bringing the power up to 54 kW.

It isn’t a whole lot of power, but with a kerb weight of 795 kilograms, it gets the job done if efficiency is the primary goal.

Linking the diesel engine and the electric motor is seven-speed DSG gearbox and an automatic clutch between each unit. It means the electric motor can function independently of the TDI engine or in tandem, when more acceleration is required

The entire body structure of the car weighs just 230kg, and is constructed from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM).

There is room for a driver and passenger who sit side-by-side and access to the cabin is via a pair of scissor doors, which are hinged on the A-pillar.

Further weight savings come from the magnesium wheels, while the brakes are ceramic, and the aluminium is used for the dampers, steering and brake calipers.

Wind tunnel utilisation is responsible for the exterior styling, which helps the XL1 achieve the remarkable coefficient of drag number of 0.186.

The length and width of the car are similar to that of the Volkswagen Polo, while the height is closer to the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The XL1, while still a concept, pushes the efficiency envelope to the outer limits of what mankind is capable of.


 

  • Technofreak

    That is more like it!

  • George

    I think it’s cool to have rear wheels cover. Aerodynamic brah.

  • Alexander

    This whole car reminds me a of a stretch gen 1 Honda Insight, i love it :)

  • Old Dog

    That skyline is amazing. The car not so much. How many miles to the gallon does a pure plug in electric do. Infinity.

    • MF

      where is the pic taken? do u know?

      • Adonis

        Quatar I would suspect

        • nickdl

          Really? I thought it was just a com-gen…

    • Alexander

      In a sense, yes it is infinity, but an electric car’s energy consumption can be translated to eMPG, therefore a Nissan LEAF is rated at only 99mpg. So while an electric car does get infinity MPG as they don’t burn the gallon they travel the mile with, when their energy consumption is converted to eMPG, it’s faaaar from infinity…

    • Anthony

      a Plug in electric vehicle may get infinity mpg, but if you live near a coal fired power station, like I do, then “plug-in” means more emissions… not less!

      • Alexander

        That’s totally false, several investigations have found that coal powered electric cars still produce less emissions per kilometre than a petrol or diesel car. Although the type to people who would buy an electric car are also pretty likely to have a solar PV systems powering their house anyway, therefore it would be a true zero emissions car.

  • Des

    Highly commendable spec’s but the rear end view reminds me of the origional Insight and that was butt ugly.
    The problem with a plug in hybrid is that, when it is plugged in, it is usually burning coal but this car is certainly a trip in the right direction. Bring it on.

  • nickdl

    I don’t think reversing vision would be a highlight…

  • Jacob Martyn

    It doesnt have side view mirrors!

    It has side view cameras instead….the images from which are displayed on a screen where your rear view mirror normally is.

  • Family Guy

    “pushes the efficiency envelope to the outer limits of what mankind is capable of”

    Really?

  • Reckless1

    Trust VW to come up with the most efficeient vehicle ever.

    Looks to be production ready too.

    The opposite end of the spectrum from the Veyron.

    Both engineering masterpieces.

  • Golfschwein

    This is a great looking concept. It looks long and sleek but is actually tiny. I reckon the skyline is computer generated too. My 2005 Audi A3 brochure shows an entirely realistic A3 parked in front of a futuristic looking house with Perth and the Swan River in the background. The scene doesn’t exist.

  • Octavian

    Very slippery. Well if the oil supplies do eventually get low and the price high then at least this concept will be there to be put into production.

  • jo jo

    nice it really nice i wana 9 about the price