Volkswagen unveiled the L1 concept car at IAA 2009. The L1 has a 2 cylinder 0.8 liter engine which propels the 838-pound CFRP-bodied L1 to an outstanding 240 mpg. A second, cramped passenger sits directly behind the driver. Not for the claustrophobic. There are 50L or 1.76 ft3 of trunk space. The L1 has been in development since about 1998 – limited production starts in 2010 and you might be able to buy one by about 2013.
The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are located at the rear, and they combine to create the most fuel efficient road-legal car hybrid drive in the world. Proof of this are its 1.38 litre per 100 kilometres fuel consumption and 36 g/km CO2 emissions. Serving as the primary drive source is a completely redeveloped two-cylinder turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (TDI). It is operated in two different modes depending on the load conditions. In the standard “ECO” mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in “Sport” mode – used to reach top speed, for example – the car’s power rises to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The TDI’s maximum torque is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the L1 also has a Stop-Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when vehicle has stopped and restarts when the accelerator or E-pedal is pressed.
Volkswagen says the L1 is the “most fuel-efficient automobile in the world”, a claim that is probably true, notwithstanding the Chevy Volt .
While the fuel efficiency claim may well be true, it does not make up for the fact that the L1 is one fugly vehicle and looks like a cross between a coffin and a hearse. We’re considering nominating the L1 for inclusion in some future list of 100 Ugliest Cars.
Sure, the VW L1 emits a mere 36g/km of CO2 (which is astonishing in view of the fact that joggers emit about 78g/km), has a drag coefficient of 0.16 (that’s about ½ the CD of an average car) and might well save the world etc, but there’s no fun in driving these things. We here at GadgetManiac suggest you get either a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, or an Audi R8 or a BMW 135i M Sport coupe (our 3 current faves), before tree huggers succeed in getting sports cars banned.
Breakthrough for the 1-Litre Car Volkswagen presents the most fuel-efficient automobile in the world – VW news release, September 15 2009
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It does look like a coffin and the color just worsened it, i do like the front, especially the vw headlights. But its just a concept car, a peek into the future maybe.. but if efficiency overshadows its aesthetic, ill probably consider
Although concept cars are truly fascinating I feel as though we never see them beyond the concept stage. What’s the point?
It’s fuel efficient, and food efficient, too…you really have to be able to keep the pounds off in order to fit into that thing! Not for me.
from the front it looks to me like a high-tech, next-generation bumper car.