It is still hard to believe that Volkswagen is actually producing the XL1 and we are going to see this alien thing on the roads someday soon, but it is official. The car has now even made its U.S. debut Annual Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center, boasting its 200 mpg fuel economy.
The revolutionary Volkswagen XL1 blends a unique design that is exceptionally aerodynamic (Cd 0.19), with low center of gravity and light weight (1753 pounds), with a sophisticated hybrid system consisting of a 48 PS (35kW) two-cylinder TDI engine, a 27-hp electric motor, a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery.
This setup results in a 261 mpg fuel consumption figure (estimated) in the European cycle (one liter per 100 km), or 200 mpg using the American system. As you’d expect, the performance is not brilliant, with a 0 to 62 time of 12.7 seconds and top speed of 99 mph. You can, however, cover a distance of miles using only electricity. Volkswagen XL1 is a two-seater sports car (sort of).
VW’s convention program also includes a tour of its LEED Platinum-certified Chattanooga manufacturing plant and solar park; test-drives in its line of eco-friendly cars, such as the e-Golf, Passat TDI Clean Diesel and Jetta Hybrid; and a bird-watching expedition on Volkswagen Chattanooga’s sanctuary grounds (only in a Greenpeace convention!).
