Several years ago VW unveiled a car capable of doing 1 liter per 100 kilometers properly named the “one-liter”. Everything went quiet after the initial presentation but in the current eco-friendly, mileage conscious environment VW apparently decided it was time to begin production of the one-liter even if a limited one. The initial concept vehicle was able to do better than the goal of 1 liter per 100 kilometers and was rated at 0.83 liters per 100 kilometers or 282 miles per gallon. Impressive. The production version will apparently get a two cylinder diesel and possibly a hybrid drive.
In order to get that fuel economy VW has resorted to some rather drastic measures. The passengers sit one behind the other, motorcycle style, and the whole car has an aerodynamic tear-shape. In order to keep the weight down all the panels are built from carbon-fiber on top of a magnesium frame ensuring a weight of only 300kg. This along with the low height has got some people concerned about safety. The one-liter has 4 wheels so at least that should calm some fears. A trike can be classified as a bike so it doesn’t have to pass the same safety standards as a car. It also has the basic safety equipments we have come to expect ABS/ESP, airbag but then it better have considering the expected price in the range of 30.000.
Even at that price VW is expected to sell the car at a loss a la Veyron, hence the limited production numbers maybe even in the hundreds, although they hope to get some sort of government tax cuts or incentives.
While this may be little more then a publicity stunt, and will not in itself have a real impact on car pollution, it is a first step and it will get people noticing. A two seater may not be very practical for to many but a four seater with a very aerodynamic body and low weight may be entirely possible without sacrificing much of the fuel efficiency and introducing that type of car in, say, 2013-2015 could prove a real success so maybe VW is on to something.
More photos after the jump.
Photo Gallery: VW One Liter Eco Car
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