Search Car Reviews



See all makes



VW worldbeater hits 313mpg

Two-seater XL1 sets efficiency benchmark, diesel-hybrid drivetrain and hi-tech chassis.

VW XL1

By Jack Rix

25th January 2011

Bosses at VW are laughing in the face of rising fuel prices – with the sensational 313mpg XL1. 

The new suburban runabout 
is designed to show off the firm’s latest efficiency techniques, and as well as its headline economy, it claims 25g/km CO2 emissions.

Measuring 3.97 metres long and 1.68 metres wide, the XL1 has a similar footprint to the Polo. But its 1.18-metre height is closer to a Lamborghini Gallardo – with the low stance and teardrop body providing slippery aerodynamics.

Enhancing this are small 
cameras instead of wing mirrors, plus a covered rear wheel. That cuts drag to an incredible 0.19Cd; a Toyota Prius registers 0.25Cd. 

The XL1 debuted at this week’s Qatar Motor Show, and follows 
on from the L1 seen at 2009’s Frankfurt expo. That in turn took its name from 2002’s One Litre car, which could travel more than 100km (62 miles) on a single litre of fuel – equivalent to 282mpg.

The newcomer features a 
conventional two-seater layout, instead of one seat behind the other in the L1. Its returns are even better as it uses a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. This comprises a 47bhp 800cc TDI engine, mated to a 27bhp electric motor – so a total of 74bhp is sent to the rear wheels. Plus, a pure electric mode enables the XL1 to travel 22 miles with zero emissions.

The fact the car is 
so feather-light helps efficiency. A host of cutting-edge materials restricts kerbweight to 795kg, despite the 
batteries’ bulk. 

The monocoque chassis is made of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) – the same as used on Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento. This means the XL1 is extremely rigid and safe, as well as light.

VW has patented a new method for producing it, so CFRP is likely to grace showroom models in the near future.

Add magnesium wheels 
and ceramic brake discs, plus aluminium components for the dampers, steering and brake 
calipers, and only 184kg of the total weight is from steel or iron.

The engine and motor are linked in series with a seven-speed DSG box; an automatic clutch separates each unit. The XL1 sprints from 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds – that’s 2.4 seconds faster than the L1 – and hits a limited top speed of 99mph.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

7 Comments

Common sense from Germany

I think VW should be applauded in creating a viable future product concept here that is sexy and driveway desirable...

It is reassuring to know that the future of four wheels is essentially safe for future personal transport consumers in the hands of our global automotive makers such as VW, BMW, Mercedes Ford, GM, Renault, Peugeot,Citroen,Nissan, Toyota and Honda etc,etc.

Clearly the future is light weight materials, intelligent technology and gigantic steps forward in efficiency and energy recuperation and utilisation...

That original Honda Insight clearly paved the way for the desirable eco-car to be produced.

By LegioIXHispana on 25 January, 2011, 5:34pm

So how did they calculate the MPG figures, driving a lod on a rig set at a constant speed.. ??
Lets see when it gets released if ever and what real world figures really are.. As it is, it's only just headline grabbing attention seeking..
Btw, it look terrible..

By hugo_b on 25 January, 2011, 7:10pm

Alter Ego...

As well as being brilliant eco-car and an amazing automotive achievement , I think this could be the basis for a brilliant sports car; rear wheel drive, two seat layout, low slung body, engine in the middle, great aerodynamics, very low curb weight, focused interior, exotic materials...I could go on. Say, if this had the supercharged and turbocharged 1.4 engine from the new VW Polo GTI with 178bhp, I roughly estimate that's about 225 bhp per ton- just to put that into perspective the 4.0, 414bhp BMW M3 saloon has got 244 bhp per ton- that's not bad at all for a 1.4l VW. With the engine from the TT RS (doubt it would fit, never mind) that's over 400 bhp per ton, and similar to that of a Pagani Zonda R!

By the way, great job by VW with the mpg figure.

By koupekid on 25 January, 2011, 7:12pm

Sign me up!!!

NOW!

By anoole on 25 January, 2011, 7:33pm

Horrible!

Looks like something from an old 80's sci-fi movie!

By Mad_Lad on 27 January, 2011, 9:59am

Proof of the pudding

Despite the fact that everything possible was involved in this car to reduce weight and thereby enhance the fuel consumption data, I doubt very much if those seats would result in any occupants enjoying the 313 miles driven on the one gallon of gas.

By jgvpc on 27 January, 2011, 3:19pm

Real facts and figures

A key question to be answered is surely under what conditions does it achieve 300 mpg...and what does it do in the real world of normal commuting and travelling...and without the "cheat" of an overnight plug-in.
The styling is not so important, this can be improved and changed reasonably easily....as a start by removing the blanks over the rear wheels which makes it look like a 3-wheeler or the car from the Pink Panther cartoons ! Good effort though and keep at it !

By nessie on 1 February, 2011, 11:22pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

VW XL1
VW XL1 front
VW XL1 rear
VW XL1 side
VW XL1 interior
VW XL1 rear

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -