VW XL1 Plug in Hybrid comes to New York

Volkswagen recently debuted its extremely fuel efficient XL1 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The prototype vehicle is part of the automaker’s goal of reaching 1 litre per 100 kilometres in a vehicle, hoping to push just how far a car can travel while still being practical enough for mass-production in a competitive consumer market.

The XL1 is the third-generation of Volkswagen’s fuel efficient project, and claims to achieve a fuel economy of an astonishing 261 miles per gallon, not quite meeting the goal of 1 litre (approximately. 0.26 gallons) per 100 kilometers (roughly 62 miles), but impressive nonetheless. The seven speed plug-in hybrid is propelled by a two cylinder, 47 horsepower, turbocharged direct engine, combined with a 27 horsepower, and a 20 KW electric motor. Electronically limited to a top speed of 99 miles per hour, the vehicle isn’t meant to be a sports car, clocking in around 11 seconds at 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Volkswagen’s new prototype is extremely light, weighing only 1,752 pounds, and partially powered by a lithium-ion battery, can travel up to 22 miles in all-electric mode. The automaker recently said it has plans to bring it to market, perhaps by 2013.