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

[NachtRitter]

Originally Posted by 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.

As long as they don't get into 3XL(1) or 4XL(1)... maybe just XXL1 and then call it good.

[NachtRitter]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hi,

The seats and the mechanicals block any usable window area?

If they can use cameras for the center rear view mirror in a similar way as the cameras for the side rear view mirrors, then it probably doesn't matter as much. The backup cameras have gotten quite good, so even for backing up the rear window isn't really necessary.

Probably depends on how claustrophobic the driver / passenger is.

[botsapper]

The fickle buying public, claustrophobics, auto journalists, safety mavens & Top Gear (Jeremy) presenters will knock it down if it doesn't have a rear window.

[ecoxantia]

I'm really impressed that VW have the guts to do something different. I'm sure we won't see it in production as it stands, but if some of the DNA gets into the next Polo then great.

Personally I'll be drawing on the XL1 for some ecomods myself, love the rear wheel treatment.

As to exotic materials - yes they've used ceramic brakes which are still top end. But the body - carbon fibre isn't outrageous any more, and some carbon can be (maybe already is) displaced by high-strength S-glass fibre. Monocoque composites are an obvious way forward, hopefully there will be recycling routes soon too.

Wow.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by cfg83

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

If this gets produced, expect front wheel drive, a rear window, and a bigger trunk in the rear.


Anybody holding Loremo AG shares is advised to sell ...
You've been overtaken by the big boys.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by NachtRitter

As long as they don't get into 3XL(1) or 4XL(1)... maybe just XXL1 and then call it good.

Why not ?
If you need 3 or 4 seats, the same principles should get you a car that's a lot more fuel-efficient than what's on the market now.

All it takes is a plug in the middle.

I hope they do one with a generator mode, using the tiny TDi as a generator to top off the battery.

[vacationtime247]

First thing that jumped in my head was don't get a flat tire! Doesn't look like a rear tire change with the side skirts would be easy in a pinch.
Wonder what projected sales figures would be?
Looks as though the back 1/2 has a boat tail designed in.
VT247

[vacationtime247]

Reminds me of the '72 Mach 1 fastback. You could not see out the back window at all. It was useless. The side mirrors weren't much help either.
VT247

[NachtRitter]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Why not ?
If you need 3 or 4 seats, the same principles should get you a car that's a lot more fuel-efficient than what's on the market now.

All it takes is a plug in the middle.

I hope they do one with a generator mode, using the tiny TDi as a generator to top off the battery.

If you want 3 or 4 seats, with the same / similar principles, seems the Golf TDI hybrid would be the answer... Geneva 2008: Miserly VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept uses 1.2L 3-cylinder - Autoblog Green Link doesn't indicate plug-in, but that can be overcome. Not quite 1l/100km, but I wouldn't expect a "3XL1" or "4XL1" to achieve 1l/100km either. What about those that don't want 3 or 4 seats? Assuming the trend continues and a 3XL1 would supersede the XXL1, which would supersede the XL1...

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by NachtRitter

If you want 3 or 4 seats, with the same / similar principles, seems the Golf TDI hybrid would be the answer...

Nope, you'd get a Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDi with only 87g/km of CO2 in 3 door trim.
That's indeed 2 g/km less than the hybrid Golf , which is still a concept.
The Polo is available NOW and is about as big as a Golf 3 or 4.
Accidentally, adding 2 extra doors (and weight) to the Polo will cost 2 g/km CO2. Without the weight, complexity and cost of a hybrid setup.

Geneva 2008: Miserly VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept uses 1.2L 3-cylinder - Autoblog Green

The Golf BlueMotion has a 1.6 TDi , not the venerable 1.9 TDi.
The Polo BlueMotion has either the 1.2 TDi or 1.6 TDi - not the 1.4 .
The CO2 output is also given as 2 different values for the TDi Hybrid, one by ABG, one by VW.


VW have said they weren't going to build a TDi Hybrid, so it's blowing cold and warm.

What about those that don't want 3 or 4 seats?

I'm not saying they should dump the XL1, I'd like them building it !

But VW could expand their range to a 3/4 seat car @ well below 2L/100km.


They'll need it, as the small gas powered vehicles (think Fiat 500, the new (flexfuel) Kia Picanto and the like) are closing the gap fast !

In the real world, gas engine stay closer to their rated fuel use than diesels.