Volkswagen Unveils 313 MPG XL1, Production For 2013
 

[IMG]http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/01/vwconcept-ed02-100x100.jpg[/IMG]

[url]http://inhabitat.com/volkswagen-to-unveil-235mpg-car-at-2011-qatar-motor-show/vwconcept-ed01/[/url]
[QUOTE]Volkswagen just unveiled a new car at the Qatar Motor Show that gets an astounding 100km for less than a lieter of diesel fuel – that’s the equivalent of 313 miles per gallon! The green car is an upgraded version of the VW L1 vehicle and it features an ultra-efficient diesel engine in addition to an electric motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Read more: Volkswagen Unveils 313 MPG XL1 Car at 2011 Qatar Motor Show VW XL1 Concept Car – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World [/QUOTE]

It sure is ****ing ugly tho...

and

[QUOTE]
The concept car’s two-cylinder diesel engine is capable of working in two modes: eco and sport. While in the eco mode, the car’s engine will run at 27 hp/4,000 rpm

Read more: Volkswagen Unveils 313 MPG XL1 Car at 2011 Qatar Motor Show VW XL1 Concept Car – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World [/QUOTE]

wait for it...





wait for it...



[QUOTE]
however in the sport mode this figure increases to [B]39 hp[/B]. While in this mode, the car will be able to reach a top speed of about 160 km/h, or 99 miles per hour.

[/QUOTE]
:rofl:

Where the hell did they get 313 MPG from? The URL says 235 MPG, and multiple sources have said it was 260. Must be imperial, I guess... but then the article goes on to say this car is 800lbs which is total bull****. There is no way in hell a working, late stage prototype (which is almost ready for *limited production) is going to weigh anything less than 1300 lbs. Such made up BS. This is why I never read inhabitat.

Who cares about the inconsistencies. This is a leap in a good direction. Diesel and less batteries. Those batteries in cars like Prius are going to destroy the planet more than the emmissions they are saving.

Plus... a car like this can open up California for more diesel cars... I hope.

A leap?? Hardly. VW released 230 MPG diesel concept in 2002. It stands to reason that a concept released 9 years later with advancements in hybrid tech, gearing, and materials would do better than that.

I can't knock them for releasing it in Qatar though. Ballsy.

[QUOTE=fizay;3014886]
I can't knock them for releasing it in Qatar though. Ballsy.[/QUOTE]

:D

As far as 40HP, who better knows how to make a 1200lb 40HP car popular than VW?

Stan

:rofl:

[QUOTE=stan_t;3014892]:D

As far as 40HP, who better knows how to make a 1200lb 40HP car popular than VW?

Stan[/QUOTE]

That power/weight ratio sounds awesome! My Mini only supposedly had ~46hp and I never really had a problem getting held up by everyone out on the back roads.

...As far as getting past US crash test requirements (unless it's classified as a motorcycle) will weigh in approx 1800 lbs (I think the calculation was 1750, but it was for a 4 cylinder aluminum engine)...and around 2200 if it seats 4....these are approx, but I've seen the calculation multiple times unless they've found some other way to get past the US crash requirements.

When the Volt was announced, they said it got 240mpg also, but that is calculating miles covered vs gas usage, so it isn't real. It actually gets something like 45, or more or less the same as a Prius. It is just for hype, so the true mileage will ultimately be revealed when it comes out.

I'd sacrifice 100mpg to make the car look normal. Wouldn't you?

It wouldn't be so ugly without the rear tire cover. WTF is up with that?

[QUOTE=brucelee;3015153]It wouldn't be so ugly without the rear tire cover. WTF is up with that?[/QUOTE]

That ugly rear wheel cover reduces the coefficient of drag significantly- I'd expect like enough to make for a several more MPG and a couple more MPH in the top end.

Car and Driver posted a little more realistic mileage predictions: "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."

As well as an almost believable curb weight figure; "the XL1 tips the scales at a skinny 1753 pounds" ...which is still really light, but a lot more than 800lbs!

inhabitat must have complete morons for editors...

800lb car would be a blast, even with 40hp. 1700lb is still very light, this car should be popular. I'd buy one over a Prius for sure.

Stan