[aerohead]

Originally Posted by aspera

The VW L1 Concept shows to be 1200mm wide, 1143mm tall, and 3813mm long, Cd0.195. (VW 1L Prototype; 1250mm wide, 1 meter tall, 3470mm long, Cd 0.159)

I found these numbers for the Geo Metro.

Wheelbase 2,265 mm (89.2 in) (3-door/Conv.)
2,365 mm (93.1 in) (5-door/Sedan)
Length 3,745 mm (147 in) (3-door/Conv.)
3,845 mm (151.4 in) (5-door)
4,095 mm (161.2 in) (Sedan)
Width 1,575 mm (62.0 in) (3/5-door)
1,590 mm (62.6 in) (Sedan/Conv.)
Height 1,350 mm (53.1 in) (3-Door)
1,380 mm (54 in) (5-door/Sedan)
1,340 mm (52.8 in) (Conv.)

So, it ends up being about the same length as a Metro. The width is 15 inches narrower. Height is 8 inches lower.

I guess the only thing that really matter is how low the Cg (center of gravity) is on the Volkswagen. If they can get it low enough, the car is wide enough.

Aerohead, what kind of handling effects do you get with a low Cg? The L1 has lithium batteries in the nose...so the Cg should already be ahead of the Cp. But I'm curious about the vertical height of the Cg in relation to Cp.

Dr.Alberto Morelli of the Polytechnic Institute in Turin,Italy,who did the CNR series concept cars with Sergio Pininfarina doesn't think handling is a big deal now for low drag forms.
The low rounded fenders up front,parallel roofline/floorline and reflex-camber tail,with under slung strakes/fairings behind the rear wheels ( all of which VW is using on this car ) can make for a very stable platform as long as the CG is ahead of the CP,something easy to ascertain with today's modern tunnels.
The Ford Probe-V with Cd 0.137 had only a tiny dorsal fin at it's rear and it was probably more a place to locate the third brake light than for stability,and maybe to help the driver gauge the car's tail during backing maneuvers.