In 2011, at the Qatar International Auto Show, a rather unusual concept called Formula XL1 was presented. The manufacturer has set quite ambitious goals for itself. The model had to surpass modern electric vehicles and hybrids not only in dynamics, but also in fuel consumption and emissions. Despite the rather difficult task, just two years later, at the spring Geneva Motor Show 2013, the Volkswagen XL1 was presented ready for sale. The serial version fully met the declared characteristics, and also received a simply stunning appearance. At the front, the car has a little overlap with the current, at the moment, corporate design. It has simple and straight lines, L-shaped garlands of LED daytime running lights, a black trim instead of a radiator grill and a complete lack of air intakes. From other angles, the model is much more futuristic. Huge doors that open on the principle of "gull wings", taken away rear wheel arches and cameras instead of rear-view mirrors are striking. In general, the model received an unusual and memorable design, in perfect harmony with the extraordinary technical stuffing. Volkswagen X-El 1 is difficult to equate as any class of car. The manufacturer positions it as a golf class two-seater hatchback. Its overall dimensions are: length 3888 mm, width 1665 mm, height 1156 mm, and wheelbase 2224 mm. The clearance of the model is relatively small - only 120 millimeters. This position gives the model a fairly low center of gravity, which has a positive effect on handling in all driving modes. The car will be able to fit into tight curves and will not lose stability, even at relatively high speeds. The body of the XL1 is no less interesting than its interior. It is very well thought out in terms of aerodynamics. The drag coefficient is only 0.189 Cx, which is an absolute record for a production car at the moment. It is made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The suspension arms are made of the lightest aluminum, and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon. The rims are made of magnesium, which gives an amazingly low unsprung weight. Volkswagen XL1 is equipped with a hybrid power plant, which is based on a two-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine of 800 cubic centimeters. Despite the small volume, the advanced supercharging system allowed the engineers to squeeze out 48 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 27-horsepower electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 5.5 kWh. All the developed torque is digested by a seven-speed DSG preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches. The model is rear-wheel drive, such an arrangement is dictated by a rather unusual location of the power plant. As a result, despite the rather modest power, the hybrid accelerates to a hundred in 12.7 seconds and reaches a maximum of 160 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is about 0.9 liters of gasoline per hundred, and CO emissions do not exceed 21 g / km. On one electric traction, the model can travel 50 km, and with a fully filled tank - 498 km. This range is a consequence of the very small fuel tank, which holds only 10 liters of diesel fuel. XL1 is a model built on the technologies of the future. It has a stylish and memorable design that perfectly emphasizes the character and personality of its owner. Despite the rather restrained lines, the car will always be in the spotlight. The salon is a realm of advanced finishing materials, well-thought-out ergonomics and high comfort. Even heavy traffic during rush hour or a long trip will not be able to deliver unnecessary inconvenience to the owner. The manufacturer is well aware that even such an extraordinary car, first of all, should give pleasure from driving. That is why, the hybrid is equipped with an unusual and very productive power plant, which is the quintessence of advanced developments and legendary German quality. The Volkswagen XL1 is capable of revolutionizing its segment.
