Volkswagen 1-litre car#Production version

The prototype VW 1-litre concept car was shown to the public in April 2002 when Ferdinand Piëch, then chairman of the board of management, drove the concept between Wolfsburg and Hamburg as part of the Volkswagen annual meeting of stockholders.

For aerodynamics, the car seats two in tandem, rather than side-by-side. There are no rear view mirrors and it instead uses cameras and electronic displays. The rear wheels are close together to allow a streamlined body. The total aerodynamic drag is minimal because both the drag coefficient and frontal area are small (see drag equation). The drag coefficient (C_d) is 0.159, compared to 0.30 - 0.40 for typical cars.

The external dimensions of the car are {{convert|3.47|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|1.25|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|1.10|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} tall. There is {{convert|80|L|cuft|1|abbr=on}} of storage space. The car features an aircraft-style canopy, flat wheel covers and an underbelly cover to smooth the airflow. The engine cooling vents open only as needed.

File:1-Liter-VW (525150348).jpg

For light weight, the car uses an unpainted carbon fibre skin over a magnesium-alloy subframe. Individual components have been designed to be low weight, including engine, transmission, suspension, wheels (carbon fibre), brakes (aluminium), hubs (titanium), bearings (ceramic), interior, and so on. Empty vehicle weight is {{convert|290|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}.

The body and frame are designed with crush/crumple zones and roll-over protection, and the tandem seating means large side crush zones. Volkswagen claims protection comparable to a GT racing car. The car has anti-lock brakes, airbags with pressure sensors, and stability control.{{cite news |url=http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/gw/vw1litre.htm |title=VW 1-Litre-Car |first=Greg |last=Wilson |work=Canadian Driver |date=5 June 2002 |access-date=5 June 2002}}

The engine is a one-cylinder {{convert|299|cm3|cuin|0|abbr=on}} diesel producing just {{convert|6.3|kW|hp|1|abbr=on}}. It drives through a six-speed transmission that combines stick-shift mechanics, weight, and drive efficiency with automatic convenience and efficiency controls. There is no clutch pedal. The gear selection (forwards, reverse or neutral) is made using a switch on the right-hand side of the cockpit. The engine is switched off automatically during deceleration and stops, and auto-restarted when the acceleration pedal is pressed.

According to Volkswagen, the vehicle consumes {{convert|0.99|L/100 km|mpgUS mpgimp|0|abbr=on}}, giving it a {{convert|650|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} driving range on one tank of fuel.

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show senior VW exec Ferdinand Piëch claimed the car would be available by the end of the decade.{{cite web | url = http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/volkswagen/vw-boss-confirms-1-liter-car-for-2010 | title = VW boss confirms 1-Liter car for 2010 | date = 9 October 2007 | access-date = 7 May 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513060406/http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/volkswagen/vw-boss-confirms-1-liter-car-for-2010/ | archive-date = 13 May 2008 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Green-Cars/Search-Results/Green-News/VW-to-relaunch-one-litre-eco-car/ | title = Car magazine 30 June 2008 | publisher = Carmagazine.co.uk | date = 30 June 2008 | access-date = 23 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120323124214/http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Green-Cars/Search-Results/Green-News/VW-to-relaunch-one-litre-eco-car/ | archive-date = 23 March 2012 | url-status = live }}

Around June 2008 car magazines were reporting a powerplant change to a two-cylinder diesel-electric hybrid. Volkswagen only expected the car to be a limited production run, and prices were expected by one industry insider to be between €20,000 and €30,000.

File:VW L1.JPG

The second Volkswagen 1-litre car, named L1, was first shown to the public at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/frankfurt-motor-show/6198163/Frankfurt-Motor-Show-Volkswagen-L1-Concept.html | title=Frankfurt Motor Show: Volkswagen L1 Concept | date=18 September 2009 | access-date=22 September 2009 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | first=Paul | last=Horrell | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922225856/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/frankfurt-motor-show/6198163/Frankfurt-Motor-Show-Volkswagen-L1-Concept.html | archive-date=22 September 2009 | url-status=dead }} Limited production of the VW L1 was expected to start in 2013 but with the announcement of the XL1 in 2011 this was considered unlikely.{{cite web | url = http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/09/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-l1-concept-gets-170-mpg-production-planned-for-2013.html | title = Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen L1 Concept Gets 170 MPG, Production Planned for 2013 | last = Wood | first = Colum | date = 15 September 2009 | access-date = 20 July 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100820130127/http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/09/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-l1-concept-gets-170-mpg-production-planned-for-2013.html | archive-date = 20 August 2010 | url-status = live }}

The L1 continues the two-seater tandem concept first shown in the 2002 1-litre concept. It has a curb weight of {{convert|381|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, with a low coefficient of drag of 0.195. It is {{convert|3.813|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} in length, {{convert|1.143|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} tall and {{convert|1.2|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} wide. Frontal area is {{cvt|1.02|m2|sqft}}, giving a drag area (C_dA) of {{cvt|0.199|m2|sqft}}.

It uses one half of a 1.6-litre TDI engine in a hybrid installation. The 800 cm³, twin-cylinder, common-rail turbodiesel is joined by a {{convert|10|kW|hp|1|abbr=on}} electric motor and has a {{CO2}} emission 39 g/km. The engine operates in two modes: "eco" mode, giving {{convert|20|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}}, and "sport" mode giving {{convert|29|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}}. The electric motor provides extra acceleration and can power the L1 on its own for short distances.{{cite news|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-l1-concept-the-most-fuel-efficient/|title=Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen L1 Concept, the "most fuel-efficient automobile in the world", gets 170 mpg|date=14 September 2009|work=AutoBlog|first=Sebastian|last=Blanco|access-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020084140/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-l1-concept-the-most-fuel-efficient/|archive-date=20 October 2012|url-status=live}} Volkswagen claimed the L1 can achieve a top speed of {{cvt|158|km/h|mph}}, with {{cvt|0|–|100|km/h|mph}} acceleration in 14.3 s.{{cite web |url=http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/futures/l1concept |title=Volkswagen Futures official website |publisher=Volkswagen.co.uk |date=22 February 1999 |access-date=23 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152107/http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/futures/l1concept |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:Volkswagen XL1.jpg

The XL1 is the third iteration of the Volkswagen 1-litre car, unveiled at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show. The diesel plug-in hybrid prototype is branded as a "Super Efficient Vehicle" (SEV).{{cite web |url=http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/282/volkswagen-unveils-the-xl1-super-efficient-vehicle-in-qatar |title=Volkswagen press release |publisher=Volkswagen.co.uk |date=22 February 1999 |access-date=23 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152226/http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/282/volkswagen-unveils-the-xl1-super-efficient-vehicle-in-qatar |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=live }}

According to Volkswagen, the XL1 can achieve a combined fuel consumption of {{Convert|0.9|L/100 km}}{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/01/xl1-20110125.html#tp|title=Volkswagen to debut XL1 PHEV prototype at Qatar Motor Show; fuel consumption of 0.9 L/100 km (261 mpg US)|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=25 January 2011|access-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130074744/http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/01/xl1-20110125.html#tp|archive-date=30 January 2011|url-status=live}} and {{CO2|link=yes}} emissions of 24 g/km. Like the L1, the XL1 uses a two-cylinder turbo-diesel. Displacing {{cvt|800|cm3|cuin}}, it is rated at {{cvt|35|kW|hp}} and {{cvt|121|Nm|lb.ft|lk=on}} of torque and transmits power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission. The electric motor pitches in with {{cvt|20|kW|hp}} and {{cvt|100|Nm|lb.ft}} of torque, and can work in parallel with the diesel or drive the car independent of it. Fully charged, the XL1 can travel up to {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} on electric power.

The XL1 has a curb weight of {{convert|795|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and a {{Cd|link=car|long=yes|0.186}} (a similar drag coefficient to the General Motors EV1 electric car). Frontal area is 1.5 m² giving a {{CdA|link=car|long=yes|0.28}} m².{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfRtKSB8STI |title=Volkswagen CarScene TV: Volkswagen XL1 - Vision wird Realität (in german) |publisher=Youtube.com |date=3 February 2011 |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131164035/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfRtKSB8STI |archive-date=31 January 2016 |url-status=live }}

Just 23.2% of the car ({{convert|184|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) is made out of either steel or iron; the drivetrain weighs {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The XL1's length and width are similar to the Volkswagen Polo, with a length of {{convert|3970|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and width of {{convert|1682|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. However, the car is much lower with a height of only {{convert|1184|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, and has a coupe-like roofline, reducing interior volume. The design incorporates butterfly doors, with the interior seating layout using a staggered side-by-side arrangement similar to a Smart Fortwo, rather than the previous versions' tandem seating.

Performance credentials include a governed top speed of {{convert|158|km/h|mi/h|1|abbr=on}}, with acceleration to {{convert|100|km/h|mi/h|1|abbr=on}} in 11.9 seconds.{{cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/volkswagen-previews-refreshed-261-m-p-g-xl1-prototype/?emc=eta1|title=Volkswagen Previews Refreshed 261 M.P.G. XL1 Prototype|first=Jonathan|last=Schultz|work=The New York Times|date=25 January 2011|access-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612033545/http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/volkswagen-previews-refreshed-261-m-p-g-xl1-prototype/?emc=eta1|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/volkswagen_xl1_concept-auto_shows|title=Volkswagen XL1 Concept - Auto Shows|first=Jake|last=Holmes|publisher=Car and Driver|date=31 January 2011|access-date=31 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129032247/http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/volkswagen_xl1_concept-auto_shows|archive-date=29 January 2011|url-status=live}}

In February 2012, Volkswagen confirmed that it would build a limited series of XL1s starting in 2013.{{cite web|title=Volkswagen to launch diesel-powered XL1 plug-in hybrid in 2013|url=http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-xl1-2013.html|publisher=Left Lane News|access-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205064226/http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-xl1-2013.html|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=live}} The production version of the plug-in diesel-electric hybrid was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.{{Cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/02/xl1-20130221.html|title=Volkswagen to produce XL1 diesel plug-in hybrid at Osnabrück; 261 mpg US|author=Volkswagen Media Services|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=21 February 2013|access-date=21 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225131348/http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/02/xl1-20130221.html|archive-date=25 February 2013|url-status=live}}

As with the 2011 concept XL1, it is powered by an 800 cm³ two-cylinder diesel engine with {{cvt|35|kW|hp}} and a {{cvt|20|kW|hp}} electric motor. The combined power output is {{cvt|51|kW|hp}} and torque is {{cvt|140|Nm|lb.ft|lk=on}}.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4sTW_tg7CE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/n4sTW_tg7CE |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=VW XL1 POV test drive |first=Johan |last=De Haes |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=15 November 2019 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The wheels are fitted with low rolling resistance tyres sized 115/80 R15 (front) and 145/55 R16 (rear).{{cite press release |url=https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/files/live/sites/vwuk/files/About%20Us/Innovation/Concept%20cars/XL1/volkswagen-xl1-brochure.pdf |title=XL1 |publisher=Volkswagen |location=UK |date=February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914033455/https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/files/live/sites/vwuk/files/About%20Us/Innovation/Concept%20cars/XL1/volkswagen-xl1-brochure.pdf |archive-date=2017-09-14}} The drag coefficient has increased slightly from 0.186 to 0.189.{{cite web|title=Volkswagen XL1 revealed|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/62839/volkswagen-xl1-revealed#ixzz2La5vADJ1|work=Auto Express|access-date=22 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224003504/http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/62839/volkswagen-xl1-revealed#ixzz2La5vADJ1|archive-date=24 February 2013|url-status=live}} The production version delivers an all-electric range of {{convert|50|km|abbr=on}}, in addition to a 10-litre fuel tank which allows for over {{convert|400|km|abbr=on}} of real-life driving until the car needs to be refueled.

In February 2013, Volkswagen announced that it expected the XL1 to achieve a fuel consumption of {{convert|0.9|L/100 km|mpgus mpgimp|abbr=on}} and emissions of 21 g/km of {{CO2}}. The test cycle allows for a re-charge of the battery every {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on}} which results in a high mpg value.

Using diesel alone the car is capable of up to {{convert|2.0|L/100 km|mpgus mpgimp|abbr=on}}. One reviewer found that, in real-life traffic, with air conditioning on and without attempts at hypermiling, the car is able to reliably achieve {{convert|2.3|L/100 km|mpgus mpgimp|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=VW XL1 - ile pali naprawdę? [VW XL1 - how much does it really consume?]|language=pl|url=https://www.autocentrum.pl/filmy/pomiary-spalania/vw-xl1-ile-pali-naprawde/|work=autocentrum.pl|access-date=14 November 2019|date=11 May 2015}}

File:2013-03-05 Geneva Motor Show 7986 zoom in.JPG|Frontal view of the 2013 production XL1

File:2013-03-05 Geneva Motor Show 7979 trimmed.jpg|Rear view of the 2013 production XL1

File:Volkswagen XL1 cockpit 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.jpg|Volkswagen XL1 cockpit 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Production began by mid 2013 and was limited to 250 units. A total of 50 units had been built by early September 2013, and the remaining 200 XL1s were scheduled to be built in the second quarter of 2014. Prices started at {{euro|111,000}}. The XL1 was available in Europe only.{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/volkswagen-xl1-to-be-priced-at-146000/|title=Volkswagen XL1 to be Priced at $146,000|first=Eric|last=Loveday|publisher=InsideEVs.com|date=3 September 2013|access-date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905070620/http://insideevs.com/volkswagen-xl1-to-be-priced-at-146000/|archive-date=5 September 2013|url-status=live}} Retail deliveries began in Germany in June 2014.

Of the 250 units to be produced, 200 were to be sold to retail customers. Volkswagen opened a registration process for interested customers that closed on 18 October 2013. Because more than 200 potential buyers registered, a drawing was conducted to select the customers with a purchase option for the available cars. They were offered a purchase contract and after the payment of a {{euro|20,000}} deposit, the purchase agreement for an XL1 was binding.{{cite news|url=http://www.automobilwoche.de/article/20131009/NACHRICHTEN/131009943/vergabe-der-kleinstserie-vw-lenkt-xl-1-fans-auf-zielgerade#.UmvjOHCkpwt|title=Vergabe der Kleinstserie: VW lenktXL-1-Fans auf Zielgerade|language=de|trans-title=Allocation of micro series: VW XL1 draws fans to finish line|first=Henning|last=Kroghhkrogh|work=Automobilwoche|date=9 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185025/http://www.automobilwoche.de/article/20131009/NACHRICHTEN/131009943/vergabe-der-kleinstserie-vw-lenkt-xl-1-fans-auf-zielgerade#.UmvjOHCkpwt|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1087980_orders-for-261-mpg-volkswagen-xl1-exceed-production-of-200|title=Orders For 261-MPG Volkswagen XL1 Exceed Production of 200|author=Inautonews|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=28 October 2013|access-date=28 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205903/http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1087980_orders-for-261-mpg-volkswagen-xl1-exceed-production-of-200|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}

The Volkswagen XL1 was selected in February 2014 as one of the top five finalists for the 2014 World Car of the Year.

• Electric car use by country
• Plug-in electric vehicle
• Plug-in hybrid
• List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category|Volkswagen XL1}}

• [https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2002/04/15/the_1-litre_car__.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html Volkswagen press release, 15 April 2002, "The 1-litre car" (archived)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719152244/https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2002/04/15/the_1-litre_car__.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html |date=19 July 2013 }}
• [https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2009/09/15/volkswagen_shows_future.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html Volkswagen press release, 15 September 2009, E-Up! and L1 (archived)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719233903/https://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/medias_publish/ms/content/en/pressemitteilungen/2009/09/15/volkswagen_shows_future.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html |date=19 July 2013 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080225211223/http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/futures/1-litre-car Official Volkswagen 1-Litre car press release]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152107/http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/futures/l1concept Official Volkswagen L1 press release]
• [http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/282/volkswagen-unveils-the-xl1-super-efficient-vehicle-in-qatar Official Volkswagen XL1 press release]
• [http://www.supercars.net/cars/1935.html Supercars 1-litre report]

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Category:Cars powered by 2-cylinder engines

1-Litre-Auto

Category:Volkswagen Group diesel engines

Category:Hybrid electric vehicles

Category:Plug-in hybrid vehicles

XL1

Category:Diesel hybrid vehicles