The two-seater supermini seems production-ready and can be seen in its full glory.
Development of the model started out nearly ten years ago, back in 2003 when Volkswagen unveiled its vision of a 1L car. A second, updated study was unveiled as the L1 back in 2009, and then last year, the diesel-powered XL1 concept was unveiled at the 2011 Qatar motor show.
Inside, we have an orthodox cabin layout - the previous projects showed a tandem seating layout – with standard HVAC controls plainly visible on the centre stack. A large LCD screen is present, but it remains unknown whether it is production specification or a testing instrument. To overcome obvious blind spots, the XL1 will come fitted with external video cameras, as early prototypes were spied testing with conventional door mirrors.
![]() |
Volkswagen is testing two prototypes, with the silver model looking production-ready. The door handles conceal cameras which act as door mirrors. |
Forward-momentum comes from a turbocharged two-cylinder 800cc diesel unit, which produces 47bhp (50PS/35kW) and is mated to a 7-speed DSG double clutch gearbox. An electric motor that delivers 27bhp (30PS/20kW) is added in to the mix and can run on electricity or work together with the diesel unit.
A low kerb-weight, thin tyres, and a diesel-hybrid system should allow a fuel efficiency figure of 0.9 litres per 100km (310mpg/260mpg U.S) and CO2 emissions of 24g/km. On the performance side, the XL1 will reach 62mph (100km/h) in 11.9 seconds before topping out at 100mph (160km/h).
The Volkswagen XL1 is expected to hit the market in 2013 for a limited production run, so expect very high list prices.
Via Autoevolution.com
No comments:
Post a Comment