When Volkswagen->ke94 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.

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.