The very rare Volkswagen XL1 will be on display at Volkswagen Crow Road from the 21st October for a limited time. Which is, coincidentally, Back to the Future day!
The futuristic XL1 illustrates Volkswagen’s pioneering construction techniques.
XL1 facts
The production version of the Volkswagen XL1 was released at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. It was released to retail customers in Germany in June 2014 after being modified as the XL1 from a concept car in 2011.
Only 200 models were manufactured, 30 of which were sold in the UK. It went on sale in June 2014 and by November all 30 were sold at a price just under £100,000.
Fuel-efficient technology and innovative design
A technological pioneer, the plug-in hybrid electric car is the most fuel-efficient car in the world with a combined fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km and emissions of only 21 g/km CO2.
Volkswagen designers worked alongside wind tunnel engineers to create an aerodynamically perfect body, creating an impressive aerodynamic drag of Cd 0.189. Several features work to create this notable figure, such as the coupé-shaped roofline, narrowed body at the rear, covered rear wheels and front and rear wheel spoilers. The lack of wing mirrors also adds to the XL1’s aerodynamic body, Volkswagen has replaced them with small cameras and internal real-time video screens.
Wing mirror replacement video screens.
The XL1 is 1665mm wide, 3,888mm long 1,153 tall and weighs just 795kg. Weight savings were made via the use of lightweight materials throughout, such as magnesium and ceramics only 23.3 per cent of the vehicle is made from steel or iron.
The body structure is unique. No other car in the world has been produced in the, now patented, way that the XL1 was made using the composite material Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).
A pair of scissor doors on the A-pillar provides access to the interior with staggered bucket seats. The exterior body material is visible from the interior because trim panels were forgone for the sake of the decreased overall weight. The dashboard is comprised of a moulded wood fibre material 1.4mm thick.
Combining the looks and performance of a supercar with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid.
The interior of the XL1 doesn't disappoint.
XL1 engine
The XL1 is a plug-in hybrid with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged with a domestic electric socket. It is powered by a two-cylinder 47bhp 800cc diesel engine and a 26bhp electric motor that can reportedly cover 50 miles on solely battery power. The electric motor can work independently of the TDI or in together.
The engine, emotor and 7-speed DSG are situated in the rear of the XL1, so the centre of gravity (of the engine) is behind the rear axle. This helps increase grip on the road.
The rear positioned engine, located in the boot.
The XL1 is a vehicle of the future brought to the present day.