Volkswagen XL1 Concept confirmed for production in 2013

Article
Gallery

By Tim Beissmann | November 02nd, 2011

The ultra-efficient Volkswagen XL1 will become a production reality in 2013.

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn confirmed the two-seater plug-in hybrid would hit the streets in low numbers in less than two years’ time.

“We will start small series production by 2013, in Germany,” Mr Winterkorn told Automotive News.

The Volkswagen XL1 Concept made its global debut at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show in January.

Space-age looks aside, the most eye-catching feature of the XL1 Concept is its outstanding fuel economy. Rated at 0.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle, the XL1 is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles this side of a full-blown EV.

The XL1 Concept is powered by a 35kW 800cc two-cylinder TDI diesel engine and a 19kW electric motor. It may not sound like much, but teamed with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission the XL1 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 12 seconds, putting it on par with a number of small- and light-sized diesel-powered cars.

Helping performance is the car’s unprecedented 0.186 drag coefficient and its total weight of just 795kg. The body is constructed from carbon fibre reinforced polymer and resin transfer moulding and weighs just 230kg.

The XL1 Concept is about as long and wide as a Volkswagen Polo, but has a height closer to that of a Lamborghini Gallardo.

There is no word yet on exactly how much of the body work or technology from the concept will carry over to the production model. The initial run has been rumoured at around 100 cars, mostly likely to be used in some form of pilot trial program.

Alexander

If these somehow make it to Aus (which I doubt), I’ll definitely very carefully consider ordering one, they look amazing!

Mike

The price will be just as amazing.

lu

no joke, carbon fiber body, and turned out to be a diesel hybrid.

Like a hot wife who will never sleep with you.
Alexander

IMO the road presence it would have would be on par with supercars, it looks great, if the price isn’t excessively high i’d consider it, but much over $100,000 and they’ll have trouble selling them at all.

Andy of Melbourne

This is the biggest one finger salute to Volvo’s plug-in hybrid who were and are parading themselves in glory for getting 1.9/100km. The arrogance at Volvo knows no bounds thinking they are so good in everything when they’re not. I’d like to see them better this effort sometime soon.

asin

mate this is still just a concept … lets see what comes out at production time and don’t forget the price difference (whenever those details are available for the VW).

don’t forget this is a 2 seater… fairly impractical car. The Volvo is a 5 seater station wagon (a V60).

There are amazing technologies available, but to make them commercially viable for mass production is half the challenge.

Commentator

Put a rear window and an extra two doors and then it will become much more practical, even if fuel consumption increases by an extra 2 liters.
Jerrycan

This is a great bit of technology but I think that Volkswagen are wise to limit the production run. History tells us that small specialist economy vehicles, even with world beating economy, do not sell well. Ask Honda.

I think the Prius was more a marketing coup than a technological or fuel-consumption breakthrough but it was a more practical vehicle than the two seat Honda Insight.

Still there is no reason why it cannot be scaled up a bit to accomodate four.
It does look good for a vehicle that has not compromised on aerodynamic efficiency. Even the covered in rear wheels don’t offend too much.

It is a vehicle I would be happy to drive around in but only if most of the other vehicles on the road were of similar size. I would be very nervous of being accidently overrun by some SUV today.

Jacob

Toyota should have made hybrid Vans instead of Prius or at least light-hybrid, where the engine turns off at traffic lights.

Vehicles that are on the road all day would appreciate the fuel savings.
Alexander

Love it or hate it, but the Prius hybrid drivetrain has not changed much since about 2003 and it still remains by far the most effective and technologically advanced non plug in hybrid drivetrain. It cannot be argued that it was, and still is a highly advanced transmission, the way the hybrid system operates, apportions power and self charges has not been surpassed to date. Sure the Prius is the darling of Hollywood and was heavily marketed, but it is not as superficial as you seem to think.

toxic_horse

Covered wheel arches look horrible . always have , always will
VW fan

A brilliant concept to become reality – just marvellous! Hopefully VW will try even harder to bring more R + D to bear on influencing the world towards a cleaner environment in the future.
Wish we had the incentives Europe has towards vehicle taxation, providing good outcomes in leading populations toward a more environmentally sustainable car culture.
This vehicle should give us all hope.
Bravo!
Chris Marshall

Yeah, the price will be something to see. Not a big fan of the closed rear-wheels. Sure, it’s more efficient and over time more and more vehicles will go to it, but the car must be a pleasing to the eye. Other then that the components listed are very nice. I’d love to test one out.
C Marshall
New Boston RTM