The Volkswagen XL1 follows the 1L prototype (2002) and the L1 Concept (2009) in the brand’s 1-liter car strategy.

Thanks to its drag coefficient Cd of 0.186, a total weight of just 795 kg and the plug-in hybrid system, the XL1 is capable of reaching a fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km and a CO2 emissions value of 24 g/km.

The lightweight construction uses carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts (CFRP) both for the monocoque and the other body parts, which are manufactured in the patented aRTM process (advanced Resin Transfer Moulding).

The hybrid powertrain features a 2-cylinder with 35kW, a 20kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 7-speed dual- clutch transmission (DSG).

The design is based on the same styling cues introduced with the L1 Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Compared to it, the XL1 has a more practical seating layout, with two seats side by side, and new wing doors, which extend far into the roof and are hinged low on the A-pillars and just above the windscreen in the roof frame, so they swivel upwards and slightly forwards.

The new XL1 is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,156 mm tall, the same height as an extreme supercar such as the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.

From the official Press Release:

Exterior Design

The design of the entire body was uncompromisingly subjected to the aerodynamic efficiency. In front, the new XL1 exhibits the greatest width; the car then narrows towards the rear.

Viewed from above, the form of the XL1 resembles that of a dolphin; especially at the rear, where the lines optimally conform to the air flow over the car body to reduce the Volkswagen’s aerodynamic drag.

In side profile, the roofline reflects styling lines that trace an arc from the A-pillar back to the rear.

The rear wheels are fully covered to prevent air turbulence; the air flows here are also optimized by small spoilers in front of and behind the wheels.

Replacing the side mirrors are small cameras that send images of the surroundings behind the car to two displays inside the vehicle.

The front end of the new XL1 no longer exhibits the typical radiator grille; however, it still reflects the styling of the current Volkswagen “design DNA” with a predominance of horizontal lines.

Specifically, there is a black cross-stripe (in the area where there is no longer a radiator grille) that combines with the energy-efficient dual LED headlights to form a continuous band.

The actual air intake for cooling the TDI engine, battery and interior is located in the lower front end section and has electrically controlled louvres.

The narrow turn indicators are also designed in LED technology; these form an “L” shape which vertically follows the wheel housing and horizontally a line beneath the headlights.

This creates a front end, which – although it is completely redesigned and extreme in its dimensions – can immediately be recognized as a Volkswagen design by its clean lines.

At the rear, the design takes an entirely new path, reinterpreting the brand’s language.

It is characterized by very precise trailing edges, the large trunk lid that covers the drive unit, a strip of red LEDs that frames the rear section at the top and on the sides and a black diffuser, which exhibits nearly seamless transitions to the completely covered underbody.

(Source: Volkswagen)

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