This is the third iteration of VW’s “1-Litre Car” project, which has now spanned almost a decade. And this one, says the company, is designed so that it could practically be manufactured if there proves to be a market for such a hyper-economical two-seat car.Just prior to the media launch in Qatar, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech told reporters the company would build a small run of XL1s, starting in 2013. Initial models will go to Germany and then other European countries. The U.S. and China will follow. Another VW executive said total production volume could be as low as 100 units, however. Looking like nothing so much as an updated and crisper version of the legendary GM EV1, the XL1 has a long tapered tail, rear wheel spats, and a steeply raked windscreen. VW’s aerodynamicists follow the same laws of physics as GM’s did, and they managed to eke out a drag coefficient of 0.186.
Its powertrain is a tiny 0.8-liter two-cylinder TDI turbodiesel producing 47 horsepower–essentially half of a Volkswagen 1.6-liter diesel four. It is paired to a 20-kilowatt electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack (of unspecified capacity) and a seven-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG). VW quotes an all-electric range of up to 22 miles, and a top speed limited to 100 mph. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes 11.9 seconds, tolerable by European standards. The body is made of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), using techniques similar to those for Formula 1 racecar tubs.Total vehicle weight is just 1,750 pounds, and that includes the full gamut of safety structures and protection equipment found in any modern vehicle.
The XL1 is packed with weight- and energy-saving technology, from the LED lights to the aluminum structural and suspension members, ceramic brake disks, and magnesium wheels.
