We’re always on the look-out for interesting prototypes: see our previous blog where we looked at some concept cars with stunning new design features. Now Volkswagen has taken concept vehicles to a new level because not only do they present an interesting futuristic design – kinda like the Audi that featured in the film iRobot – but also a car that will bring fuel consumption to a new level: VW say the vehicle will cover 100km on less than a litre of petrol! Considering this is a petrol engine – not electric, hybrid or diesel – that’s some feat. It also confirms that manufacturers are turning their attention back to petrol and improving the economy – and the CO2 emissions – of petrol engines after the sustained effort with diesels in that regard over the last number of years.
The two-seater prototype is named as the XL1, and VW say it is the most fuel-efficient car in the world. Furthemore it will have CO2 emissions of just 24g/km of greenhouse gases! The vehicle was unveiled at the Quatar Motor Show. Here are a few pictures.
The company say the secret of the car’s fuel efficiency lies in the ‘structural skin’ a lightweight shell, similar to some F1 cars, made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer. This reduces the weight significantly – to about 800kg.
In the engine bay the engineers have used a 1.6-litre TDi turbo diesel with 48 horsepower coupled with a 27 horse-power e-motor. The car is described as ‘near production’ - perhaps 2013 – and it gives us the first real near-production glimpse of future automotive design.
No comments:
Post a Comment