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GREEN: VW Plug-In Hybrid Boasts 270 MPG
Production version of the radically streamlined two-seater will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
AutoWeek  | http://www.autoweek.com/  |  Posted February 21, 2013   Wolfsburg (GER)
The aerodynamic Volkswagen XL1 has a low, wind-cheating 0.189 coefficient of drag. (Photo: Volkswagen)
A production version of the Volkswagen XL1 plug-in hybrid, which the German automaker says can get up to 270 mpg, will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. VW will put the high-mileage two-seater into production later this year but has not disclosed a price.

The XL1 is made of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, and powered by a tiny diesel engine and electric motor. (Photo: Volkswagen)
The production XL1 closely resembles the concept VW unveiled in early 2011. The aerodynamically shaped body, which includes fully covered rear wheels and rearview mirrors integrated into the door skin, cuts through the wind with a low 0.189 coefficient of drag.

VW says it will hand-build the XL1 at is plant in Osnabrück, Germany, which also produces the Porsche Boxster and VW Golf convertible.

The XL1 makes extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the body panels and aluminum for the frame structures. VW says the car has a curb weight of 1,753 pounds.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines an 800cc two-cylinder diesel engine, rated at 47 horsepower, with an electric motor rated at 27 horsepower. Power flows through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The XL1 carries a lithium-ion battery pack under the hood. The car can travel up to 31 miles on electric power.

Pricing has not yet been announced for the XL1, not whether it will be available in the United States. (Photo: Volkswagen)
VW says the XL1 needs just 8.3 horsepower to cruise steadily at 62 mph. The two-seater can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds, and top speed is limited to 99 mph. A 2.6-gallon fuel tank gives the XL1 a theoretical range of 700 miles.

The XL1 measures 153 inches long, 65.6 inches wide and stands 45.4 inches tall. That makes the XL1 as long as a Toyota Yaris and 1 inch narrower, but the Yaris stands 14 inches taller than the Volkswagen.

VW has certified the XL1 for sale in Europe. There is no word on whether it plans to sell the car in the United States.

This story originally appeared at Autoweek.com.
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