Volkswagen Debuts Engineering Marvel That Gets 240 MPG

In Frankfurt, Germany, Volkswagen finally debuted its eagerly anticipated L1 concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Shaped like a cross between a bullet and a cigar, the VW L1 concept car dazzled engineers and environmentalists alike with its remarkable 240 mpg fuel efficiency rating. Although the two-seater vehicle will not be available for purchase until 2013, the auto industry is already abuzz over the engineering breakthrough that the L1 represents.

About the L1

Spectators at the Frankfurt Auto Show were as intrigued by the L1's unique body design as they were by its unprecedented fuel efficiency. Thanks to its carbon-fiber reinforced body (CFRB), the vehicle is very light, weighing in at slightly less than 840 pounds. The L1 is a one-liter car, meaning that is consumes one liter of gas, or roughly one-quarter of a gallon, to drive 62 miles, or 100 kilometers. The car's moniker derives from this feature, with L1 referencing the vehicle's one-liter fuel capacity.

Engine and Performance

The L1's powertrain is a monument to efficiency. VW gave the vehicle a two-cylinder, 39-horsepower turbo-diesel engine with a 14-horsepower electric motor. The L1 has a start-stop system as well as a seven-speed two-clutch transmission. The L1's top speed is 100 mph, but the gas mileage drops to about 170 mpg at that speed.

Design

The industry is lauding the L1 concept car as an engineering marvel. The vehicle's unique design makes it slim, light, low, and highly aerodynamic. Wind resistance is thus substantially reduced, which in turn improves fuel economy. One quirk in the L1's design that may not go over well in the U.S. market is the seating configuration. In order to make the car as jet-like as possible for minimal drag, the seats are arranged behind each other rather than side by side. The thought of two people sitting in a row is probably a little too foreign for American buyers, which has led to speculation that the configuration will change before the L1 goes into production.

L1 vs. Plug-In Competitors

The obvious rival for the Volkswagen L1 is the Chevy Volt, expected to debut long before the L1 is even in production. At the auto show, VW wasn't shy about highlighting why the L1 blows away the current competition. For one, the L1 gets better gas mileage than any other car, earning it the distinction of the most efficient car in the world. Secondly, on one charge, the L1 has a driving range of 416 miles, which is longer than that of all of its competitors.