The
XL1 1-litre fuel economy car from Volkswagen uses resin transfer moulding (RTM) first devised successfully by Lotus in the UK over 40 years ago.
The
prototype, with its plug-in hybrid system, uses sports car design principles of
low weight (795kg), sound aerodynamics (Cd 0.189) and low centre of gravity
(1.153mm high) to achieve a fuel consumption of 0.9litres/100km.
These
features, combined with a two-cylinder TDI diesel of 48PS (35kW), a E-motor of
27PS (20kW), a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery,
make it possible for the XL1 to emit 21g/km of CO2. It has a top speed of
160km/h and an all-electric drive mode range of 50km.
The
XL1 is manufactured by Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH in the former Karmann facilities
where some 1,800 employees produce Golf Cabriolets and Porsche Boxsters.
