New Concept Car: Volkswagen XL1

In the battle for the sky-highest fuel-efficiency figure, Volkswagen continues to hone its superweapon. The XL1 concept, unveiled today at the Qatar auto show—foolishly, we neglected to put a man on the scene—is a plug-in hybrid boasting triple-digit fuel economy. It builds on prior super-high-efficiency concepts from VW, namely the 1-Liter that debuted in 2002 and the L1 concept that appeared in 2009. The former used a tiny diesel engine and was designed to travel 100 kilometers on a single liter of fuel, hence the name; the L1 added a plug-in hybrid system in pursuit of a more marketable approach to the same goal.

Like the L1, the XL1 uses a two-cylinder turbo-diesel. Displacing 800 cc, it is rated at 47 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque and transmits power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission. The electric motor pitches in with 27 hp and 74 lb-ft, and can work in parallel with the diesel or drive the car independent of it. Fully charged, the XL1 can travel up to 22 miles on electric power, and Volkswagen predicts a fuel-economy rating of 261 mpg in hybrid mode. Performance credentials include a claimed 11.9-second 0-to-62-mph run and a governed top speed of 99 mph.

Riding on an 87.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 153.1 inches long, the XL1 has a footprint similar to that of the Mazda 2. But its Lamborghini Gallardo–like height (just 45.5 inches) helps create a slippery drag coefficient of 0.19. The unusual body design was largely influenced by the L1 concept, with a bubble-like greenhouse and sharply tapered rear end that help achieve the outstanding Cd. Two large scissor doors swing up from the A-pillar for easy—and showy—access. The cockpit has two bucket seats, with the passenger seat mounted slightly farther back than the driver’s.

The body is built from carbon fiber, with further weight gains realized by using magnesium wheels, ceramic brake discs, and aluminum suspension components. As a result, the XL1 tips the scales at a skinny 1753 pounds, with just 406 of those accounted for by steel or iron parts.

Volkswagen says the XL1 is “still very much a concept,” but this series of concepts is moving in a very deliberate direction: VW CEO Martin Winterkorn has promised a production version of the 1-Liter by 2013. We’re just wondering how well oil-rich Qatar receives the idea of a 261-mpg car. Next year, we’ll be sure to send someone to the show.

Thanks to: Car and Driver