VW's 1L is back ("XL1" latest version of concept, side-by-side seating this time)

[RobertSmalls]

I finished digesting that long and dense press release... it's really great stuff. This is a big-budget engineering exercise aimed at producing a super-efficient prototype. If it's followed up by a manufacturable, marketable vehicle that conforms to applicable regulations, I will be thrilled, and I might just buy one new. The XL1 looks like the Bugatti Veyron of efficient cars.

Of course the vehicle will lose fuel economy in the translation into to something fit to sell - no, you can't have 260mpg - but it's still sure to beat the first-gen Insight. As it should: VW's effort will be some 15 years newer. I bet a marketable interpretation of this vehicle will use about twice as much fuel as this prototype: 130mpg NEDC, which is what, 90 EPA Combined? Not shabby at all.

Finally, some progress in the world of tires: "an entirely new generation of optimised low rolling resistance tyres from MICHELIN (front: 115/80 R 15; rear: 145/55 R 16)" I bet the final version would have 145 or 155's front and rear, but still, when Michelin develops new treads with CRR as their highest priority, it's going to be great.

[Jim-Bob]

As much as I want to like it, I just don't see it as a practical and viable vehicle for large-scale production. The exotic materials will push the price up above $30k and out of the hands of most of the people who could use it most. That's why what I most want to see is a modern Geo Metro type of car like the Toyota Aygo/Citroen C1, VW Fox, etc. A cheaper vehicle with excellent fuel economy will go a long way to bringing fuel efficient vehicles to the masses than exotic concepts like this.

[Cd]

Ai_vin : You beat me to it.
I was just about to post with the images !

[ai_vin]

Originally Posted by cfg83

When I remove the rear wheel skirt, I think I see some Audi R8 DNA :

Great picture, but could you do one with an ecomodder treatment? ei: moveable front wheel skirt, rear boat tail, etc. ???

[cfg83]

ai_vin -

Ha ha, I will leave that to botsapper.

CarloSW2

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Jim-Bob

As much as I want to like it, I just don't see it as a practical and viable vehicle for large-scale production. The exotic materials will push the price up above $30k and out of the hands of most of the people who could use it most.

I agree but mass production is exactly what is needed to make those exotic materials into cheap commonplace stuff, you would be amazed what mass production does to cost.

Originally Posted by Jim-Bob

That's why what I most want to see is a modern Geo Metro type of car like the Toyota Aygo/Citroen C1, VW Fox, etc. A cheaper vehicle with excellent fuel economy will go a long way to bringing fuel efficient vehicles to the masses than exotic concepts like this.

I would love to see one as well or a modern version of the subaru 360 or more aero and modern Citroen 2cv.

Take a small car and add a cheap non-turbo low maintenance diesel and you would have a winner

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Of course the vehicle will lose fuel economy in the translation into to something fit to sell - no, you can't have 260mpg...

So? I'd be perfectly happy with 130 mpg. Replace some of the carbon fiber with fiberglass, and maybe a bit more performance - can it hold highway speeds up a 6% grade? - and I'd buy one. But no, all we get is prototype after prototype :-(

[Frank Lee]

I'm not VW's biggest fan but I really like these 1Ls and I hope they get to the marketplace.

Been looking at the pics and thinking what a wonderful blend of engineering and styling!

Anyone notice the sound of the car in the second video? Crank the volume all the way up and listen. That's what I wish all the garbage going back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and back and forth on my street sounded like.

[botsapper]

I really like the evolution of the 1L,... XL1. There is most likely a deliberate design progression before the mass-market model comes out. Sample of 'viral' marketing, the 1L passenger packaging was initially revealed with tandem seating and a very narrow track, then next concept evolution, XL1, has side-by-side seating w/ conventional track width. The covered rear wheel cover hopefully survives because that is going to be the VW 'eco' trademark. It was accepted successfully on the 1L and subsequently applied on the XL1 and will probably continue on with future concepts.
Don't be surprised that the next (close to production) clean & conservative concept will have side mirrors, a rear window, and rear row seating but keeps its rear wheel covers (optional).

VW's...Prius/Volt brand.

Volkswagen Group is very deliberate & conservative and hope...will, be the top car manufacturer.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Originally Posted by cfg83

The only thing "bizarre" about this car is that it doesn't have a "normal" rear window.

This shows why there is no rear window:




The seats and the mechanicals block any usable window area?