Skip advert
Advertisement

Ducati-powered Volkswagen XL Sport revealed in Paris

Thought the VW XL1 was bit too economy-focused? Here's a motorbike-engined version called the XL Sport

Volkswagen has revealed a surprise concept car on the eve of the Paris Motor Show, called the VW XL Sport.

Based on the 313mpg XL1 production car, this new model had less of an economy focus, boasting a 197bhp V2 powertrain borrowed from motorcycle manufacturer Ducati and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The engine only has 130Nm of torque, but a reduction gear between the engine and DSG gearbox slows engine speed and boosts torque to 250Nm – making the car much easier to drive on the road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The XL Sport is purely a one-off to show what's possible by mixing technology from cars and bikes – there are no plans to build it at the moment.

As well as its performance-focused engine, the XL Sport gains a wider body, a tweaked chassis and wider tracks to help improve stability and grip. Certain aspects of the car have been completely redesigned to allow the new powertrain, too.

Its aerodynamic shape and low kerbweight, originally developed to achieve big economy figures, have allowed for seriously impressive performance here. Volkswagen says the XL Sport has a top speed of 167mph and can go from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds. The motorcycle engine, which features titanium connecting rods and magnesium alloys, revs to more than 11,000rpm – so it will be unlike almost any other car on the road to drive.

The interior is changed slightly, too, boasting a digital instrument cluster specially designed for motorsport, plus decorative red stitching and aluminium shift paddles.

With the announcement of the XL Sport came the news that the VW Group had just produced its 200 millionth car, and the company said that this concept just so happened to be the 200 millionth car to roll off the production line.

Get all our live coverage of the 2014 Paris Motor Show

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money
Best future classics - header image
Best cars & vans

Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money

Identifying future classic cars is a tricky but potentially lucrative business, here are our future classic recommendations
3 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month
Audi A4 Avant driving on UK roads
News

Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month

Our Deal of the Day for 27 March is for those who want a big trunk for all their junk
27 Mar 2024