Volkswagen XL1 concept car (2011) first photos

Volkswagen 'will build the XL1' - Piech

Volkswagen today unveiled the XL1 - its latest concept car iteration of its 'one-litre' eco car, 2011-style. Originally the brainchild of Ferdinand Piech, the VW L1 was the 2002 vision for a green car that supped just one litre of fuel per 100 kilometres. Now the idea is back for 2011, and it's called the XL1.

The VW XL1 was unveiled on the eve of the Qatar motor show. An ironic choice of venue, considering the plentiful supply of oil in the Middle East; the XL1 is capable of 0.9l/100km. That's a staggering 313mpg.

Indeed. The XL1 is ultra-lightweight at just 795kg and packs a diesel hybrid system to throttle back its appetite for fuel.

Take note of the composite construction of this car. Its carbonfibre reinforced polymer monocoque weighs just 230kg, and is a group indication that lightweight plastics aren't just for the likes of Lamborghinis.

Volkswagen says the new patented system lets it use resin transfer mouldings to make carbonfibre more realistic for small cars. Even so, we can't quite see the next Polo using hyper-priced carbonfibre bits for a little while yet.

The VW XL1 twins a 47bhp 800cc TDI common-rail diesel with a 27bhp electric motor. There's a clutch in between each motor, allowing the XL1 to drive in pure EV mode (range: 22 miles) or as a conventional hybrid.

Thanks to that low weight, performance is actually quite perky. From rest to 62mph takes 11.9sec and top speed is pegged to 99mph. 

Don't rule out a limited series production of the two-seater, gullwing VW XL1. Normally cautious Wolfsburg types call it 'a near production concept', pointing to a low-volume run of XL1s. A perfect eco statement car then.

Length 3970mm (like a Polo)
Height 1184mm (like a Lambo Gallardo Spyder)
Bootspace 100 litres
Engine weight 227kg
Total kerbweight 795kg
Percentage of kerbweight made from iron or steel 23%
Drag coefficient 0.186
CO2 emissions 24g/km

By Tim Pollard