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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Categories: Automotive ~ ~ Trackback
November 17th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
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
March 9th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Although concept cars are truly fascinating I feel as though we never see them beyond the concept stage. What’s the point?