2003 Volkswagen Review

Specifications

Is a 285 MPG Car for Real?

A little quick math on a metric conversion calculator shows 285 mpg translates to 1-liter per 100 kilometers. Thus, aptly named, is Volkswagens concept vehicle the “1-Liter Car”.

Journalists in Europe recently had the chance to test drive this little phenom, and were duly impressed. Andrew English of The Telegraph put it succinctly by stating, “The car consumed less fuel than I have: my two pints of beer the night before, versus the cars third of a pint over the entire 10-mile test route.”

After recovering from my audible guffaw, I read on to what he and Volkswagen had to say, learning more than just a few technical tidbits. Ultimately, this car is not on sale, if it was, youd be looking at around 3 million euros, or nearly $3.36 million. Anyone interested?

While difficult to justify the fuel savings, they are nevertheless significant. English figured that he averaged 12,000 miles per year, spending the equivalent of approximately $1,905. Factoring in VWs 1-Liter Car it would be slashed to just $238.

The concept cars development was spurned on by a 3-liter car, launched in 1999, that has since sold more than 22,000 units in Europe. Taking on the challenge, the research and development team succeeded three years later by bringing this rather aeronautical looking tandem two-seater to life, sportingly simple in design.

It was first introduced at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg as part of a lineup of eco-friendly cars. Also showcased were the VW Lupo 3L-TDI and Audi A2 TDI cars, which consume only 3-liters of fuel per 100 kilometres (78 mpg), and the fuel cell propulsion system Bora (Jetta brand in North America) Hy-Power.

Volkswagens tiniest study is registered for use on public highways, and the journey from Wolfsburg to Hamburg demonstrates that the 1-Liter Car is technically feasible while offering driving pleasure of a very special kind. Project manager Dr. Thomas Gänsicke stated, “It really is a fascinating experience to drive through the night at 100 km/h (62 mph) with the fuel consumption indicator showing just 1.0 L/100 km (285 mpg), and nothing but the stars above your head.”

But before being accused of nothing more than stargazing, let us get down to some details. The key objectives in the development were to minimize all driving resistances through lightweight construction and outstanding aerodynamics, and to develop new tires and running gear components, taking ergonomics, current safety standards and familiar control functions into account.

Different drive concept simulations were considered right from the initial concept phase of the 1-Liter Car. The answer showed that diesel was the only real option for the drive system, as only this combustion principle meets the maximum requirements for optimum energy exploitation.

The car itself is tiny, an example of nanotechnology stretched to real world lengths. At 11.4 feet long, but just 4.1 feet wide, extraordinarily narrow, and just over 3.2 feet in height, its barely the size of a rowboat. To save weight, it is made of carbon composites and is not painted. The driver and passenger sit in tandem, like a jetfighter trainer, with the transversely installed engine centrally located in front of the rear axle. Overall the plastic bodywork has the aerodynamic shape of a teardrop. The basic layout is not completely new, with famed aircraft builder Messerschmitt building its quirky KR200 micro car in the early 1960s, made legendary by its appearance in the even quirkier movie Brazil.

Although rather squat looking, if you like to fly youll appreciate the 1-Liter Cars cockpit feel - part of the overall aerodynamic theme. Once the canopy is closed it is said to be stifling, but there is reportedly plenty of room as long as you recline well back in the seat. As for a ride-a-long passenger, its said to be not too dignified. With room a little less generous than up front, the passengers legs need to be spread to either side of the drivers chair. English noted that despite all this, the confinement doesnt feel too claustrophobic. I suppose in the spirit of global warming, this is the price needed to pay to achieve its 285 mpg fuel economy.

Besides the reduction in weight, other fuel consumption optimizations take place to help achieve its stellar results. To minimize frictional resistance, the running area of the engines cylinder (yes just one) has been laser alloyed. Also, roller rocker fingers reduce friction in the valve drive, plus even the tension of the piston rings has been reduced.

The wheels have been sheathed, with those in the rear disappearing entirely behind their trim similar to Hondas Insight. The front wheels are equipped with all-over dish-type carbon fibre wheel caps. Even the side cooling air inlets only open when the engine needs cooling, and otherwise stay shut.

Further weight reduction details include the dispensing of door locks, their place being taken by the most up-to-date electronic locking technology. The system automatically unlocks the canopy when the driver approaches with the sensor. As in some top-range sports cars, the engine is brought to life with a starter button. Both details have recently been highlighted in the 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid electric, coming out this fall. Its nice to know that technology has caught up with the idea that as long as “the keys” are within a certain distance, the car senses you are cleared for entry. Something very much appreciated by someone who always has to dig for her keys at the bottom of some large bag.

While convenience is important safety issues have also been considered. The passive safety level corresponds to that of a GT sports car registered for racing, or in other words, its impact absorption is mighty impressive. All kinds of crash types were investigated with the aid of computer simulations, and the vehicle designed accordingly. So-called crash tubes, with integrated pressure sensors for airbag control in the front end of the car, absorb the entire deformation energy, leaving the footwell unaffected.

Furthermore, active safety is provided by the latest-generation four-channel ABS and electronic stability program (ESP).

But how long, how far, and how fast can it travel? No worries on this last question as the 1-Liter Car reaches a top speed of 75 mph. Regarding how far, its not difficult to calculate the range available with the 1.7 gallon tank: the two-seater can travel up to 404 miles on a single filling.

There is also a newly conceived automated direct shift gearbox. It was not reasonable to simply pull a Volkswagen gearbox off the shelf, as once again the objective was to save weight. And so the gearbox housing is made of magnesium, all gears and shafts are hollow, and bolts are made of titanium. In addition, high-lubricity oil ensures the 6-speed gearbox, which weighs a mere 51 pounds, always runs smoothly.

The gearshift mechanism is electro-hydraulically actuated via finely-tuned sensors, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal. There is also no need for a gear lever, for upshifts and downshift happen automatically with the best possible engine and gearbox shift points selected to optimize fuel economy. Gear selection - forwards, reverse or neutral - is made using a turn switch on the right-hand side of the cockpit.

There is also a stop-start system in place. Similar to the Auto-Stop feature currently seen in some hybrid electric vehicles, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid, the stop-start feature in this little VW switches the engine off when the car is in overrun mode. The vehicle then rolls without the engine running. Development engineers call this gliding - alluding to the silent flight of a glider. The engine starts up again immediately when the magnesium accelerator pedal is depressed. But that is not all the starter-alternator does. While braking, the negative acceleration energy is fed into the alternator and recovered, similar to the regenerative braking we are seeing in the Toyota and Honda hybrid electric vehicles being sold around the world.

Last but not least is the all-important question, how does the 1-Liter Car feel when driven? Well, put it this way, the monobloc engine has to idle at 1,400 rpm just to keep running. Normal noise, vibration and harshness levels cant even begin to describe the experience.

Of course this may be one of the reasons that this vehicle now sits in a museum and not on a production line. When first started up, it trundles rather slowly and the cacophonous activity can be felt through every inch of the drivers body as the accelerator is depressed. However, once up to speed, it smoothes out to give the impression of being in a glider, again the aerodynamic allusion. Those who drove it eventually got into its rhythm, tuning into the sound of its tires on the road and the wind rushing over the canopy overhead.

Although not very practical, the 1-Liter Car proves that 285 mpg fuel economy is achievable and harmful emissions can be nearly eliminated. Volkswagen now has the technological know-how thus implementing many of the lessons learned into future production cars is not only feasible, but no doubt will be seriously considered.

And maybe the 1-Liter Car will have even greater significance. When Roger Bannister broke the illusive 4-minute mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds in 1957, he toppled a psychological barrier as well. Only 46 days after the event, John Landy, respected as one of the great long distance runners of the era, who had never previously managed closer than within 1.5 seconds of the 4-minute mile, achieved a new record of 3:57.9 in Finland. By the end of that year no less than 16 runners had achieved sub-4-minute miles.

Whats all this got to do with cars? Well maybe, now that the 1-Liter Car has proven itself, more automakers will step up to the running blocks in an attempt to break through what was once an illusive goal, with more practical applications. After all, the rewards can be greater than just accolades. Volkswagen has achieved strong support from the green community for this feat, translating into more environmentally conscious buyers opting for its production cars. The fact that for the last three years in a row, they have been rated the most sustainable car maker in the world by Zurich-based SAM Sustainability Group for Dow Jones doesnt hurt either. As it seems there are direct benefits in doing the right thing.