Home » Cars » Car Reviews ยป Volkswagen
  Register    
login  

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept


 
  Review 
 
   

When Volkswagen unveiled the 1-Liter concept in 2002 and then the L1 in 2009, everyone believed that getting a car that actually consumed only one liter per 100 kilometers (62 miles) was nearly impossible, but now the company has just gotten one step closer to that far-fetched reality with the release of the XL1 Concept. Set to debut at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show, this concept will allow for the impossible to become possible.

Compared to the 1-Liter concept (L1), the new XL1 features an even more impressive design, plus it’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a 48 HP two cylinder TDI engine with a 27 HP E-motor, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), and a lithium-ion battery. The concept can drive 35 kilometers in pure electric mode and delivers a fuel economy of 0.9 liter/100 kilometers.

There’s talk about a production version being released sometime in 2013.

UPDATE 01/28/2011: Automobilewoche is reporting that Volkswagen will indeed be producing the XL1 Concept in a limited run of 100 vehicles. Sounds like a pretty tame number considering all of the work involved in getting a vehicle to get only one liter per 100 kilometers (62 miles), but that’s the word. The car is reported to get sent to Germany first with the US and China getting some units at a later date.

Hit the jump to read more about the Volkswagen XL1 Concept.


Exterior and Interior

Despite being a very efficient car, the XL1 features a pretty impressive design, inspired by the latest Volkswagen design language. The concept is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide, and just 1,156 mm tall. It features a very low profile similar to high performance cars. The concept also gets wing doors hinged at two points just like a sports car: low on the A-pillars and just above the windscreen in the roof frame.

While the profile is similar to the L1 concept, the XL1 has a more dynamic appearance, with a typical radiator grille, electrically controlled air intakes, new headlamps with LED technology, and fully covered rear wheels to prevent air turbulence.

Most of the concept’s parts are made in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in order to reduce the total weight.

The Engine

The hybrid system of the XL1 Concept combines a 0.8 liter two-cylinder TDI engine that delivers 48 HP with an electric motor that adds an extra 27 HP. The engine is coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), while the electric engine gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery.

The XL1 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 11.9 seconds, while its top speed is 100 mph (electronically limited).

The new concept has a fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km and emits 24 g/km CO2. Since it is designed as a plug-in hybrid, the XL1 prototype can also be driven for up to 35 kilometers in pure electric mode bringing the CO2 emissions down to nothing. The battery can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet.

When Can I Drive One?

This is just a concept form, but rumors say Volkswagen will actually bring a production version by 2013.

2.

The Competition

The Volkswagen XL1 has no competition just yet, but there are lots of makers who have announced their intention to build a 1 liter car.


- Efficient
- Impressive look for a hybrid concept
- DSG transmission

- Performance numbers are not impressive
- Rear end looks rather strange
- 



17 comments: Volkswagen XL1 Concept


GenevaSanMiguel (528)
Posted on
02.6.2012 @ 02:45
I find it strange rather than futuristic. hehe... I am not satisfied with its engine performance. However, I would like to give credit on their creativity in making this concept.

SweetChevy (406)
Posted on
01.2.2012 @ 22:23
The designed maybe so futuristic but they are right that this concept is ugly and over designed, I must also say that the metallic image of this car is quite impressive at all.

ChromeGrille (451)
Posted on
01.2.2012 @ 00:25
The good thing is that it is still a concept, until now. Well, I hope that they really don’t have the plan to put it on the market. Seriously, it didn’t look great neither good.

Zosimos (665)
Posted on
01.1.2012 @ 23:00
It didn’t look good on its detailing! Sure, it is very futuristic but not a stunning vehicle unlike with the other coupe car. Anyway, I bet this one is with an electric motor.

Stig_USA (463)
Posted on
12.9.2011 @ 04:34
It is really a futuristic concept because on its exterior detailing, but I must agree with them, that even though it is futuristic and unique it is kind of ugly most especially at the back of this Volkswagen XL1.

RaptorF22 (437)
Posted on
09.14.2011 @ 04:04
Awful!this concept maybe so unique and futuristic but I don’t like how they designed the back part of this XL1 looks so lousy!

Ally_Marchesi (669)
Posted on
08.31.2011 @ 05:35
It is really a futuristic concept but I must agreed with them that even though it is futuristic and unique it is kinda ugly most especially at the back of this Volkswagen XL1.

carlos_bullock (478)
Posted on
08.12.2011 @ 03:49
A unique concept but ugly! They over designed this XL1 Concept, it is much better if they let it to be a simple car.

Brice_Brett (474)
Posted on
08.10.2011 @ 05:32
I love the "robotic" designed of this XL1 Concept but me either I don’t like how they designed the back part of it.

lookatmycar (468)
Posted on
08.3.2011 @ 04:49
Awful!this concept maybe so unique but I don’t like how they designed the back part of this XL1.

1 2 next >
*Registration is required to post in this forum





Still don't have User-ID?


Forgot your password?




Picture Gallery (25)
  • volkswagen xl1 concept 2
  • volkswagen xl1 concept 3
  • volkswagen xl1 concept 4
  • volkswagen xl1 concept 5
  • volkswagen xl1 concept 6
Picture Gallery (25)


year:2011
Engine:Hybrid


  Volkswagen XL1 Pictures