VW XL1 #1, sold and delivered.
 

The most economical production car and the first of its model, VW XL1, was sold to a Berlin resident, Dr. Malorny. He was inspired by 'its visionary design and hi-tech appearance'. Estimated starting price of €110,000 ($149,645)!

Unfortunately, all 250 units will be only sold in Europe.

Volkswagen Delivers First XL1 to Berlin Resident - Carscoops

What a bargain. Cant wait to see Top Gear test one.
Maybe even the Stig taking a lap.

It would take 600,000 miles to break even on driving a truck in California. Just crazy, but I guess that is the point. Could the XL1 have been any more efficient?

Now, what can they make for $50,000?

Forget VW- they have forgotten what People's Car means. I want a Ford or even a Chinese knock-off of it with a little less tech, allowances for a little more weight and/or less fe, and a LOT less cost.

Time to book a flight to Berlin to steal some wheels.:)

Fifty thousand? Forty?

Try 8 or 10,000.

I'll just leave this here:

HM Vehicles Free-way - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

...and this
Messerschmitt KR175 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

...and for funsies, in case anyone missed him:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...xed-23497.html

It seems to me, especially in light of CrazyJerry's roll-your-own accomplishments that rang the bell somewhere north of 200mpg, that VW is both late to the party and asking a little much for what appears to be a not especially impressive achievement.

Local Motors plus Inrekor

Not to mention maintenance and insurance on it. It's probably going to be triple that of a truck, and I don't even wanna know how much a new engine would cost.