VW XL1 Plug in Hybrid comes to New York

Monday, 6 June 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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.