VW has launched their Formula XL1 concept ahead of its debut at Qatar Motor Show. The car is a two-seater plug-in hybrid with rear wheel drive. The XL1 combines aerodynamically efficient design with technology and hybrid engines.
The XL1 is powered by an 800 cc/47 hp twin cylinder engine and a 27 hp electric motor, producing 120 and 100 Nm of torque. It comes equipped with a 7 speed DSG gearbox and a Li-ion battery for the electric motor which can be charged from a household supply. As a unit the car weighs only 795 Kg.
The car can do 0-100 Km/h in 11.9 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 160 Km/h (99 miles). The XL1 consumes only 0.9L/100Km making it the most fuel efficient hybrid car and has Co2 emissions 24 g/Km. E-drive can be used to run the vehicle for a maximum of 35 Km and the combined range with a 10 L fuel tank is 550 Km approx.
The design of the vehicle was in keeping with less weight aspect; most of the parts are made of carbon fiber, and less aerodynamic drag. Regenerative breaking is adopted to recharge the batteries while slowing down. Wing doors make it easy to get in & out. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts (CFRP) like in Formula One has also been used.
Still a concept vehicle, VW has hinted that a one-liter car will be offered in the near future
