4 Things to Love About the Most Efficient Car in the World

Nov 26, 2015

German engineering has done it again. The Volkswagen XL1 concept car might not be coming to a dealership near you anytime soon (only 250 cars currently exist, with a starting price that’s well in the six figures), but the XL1 showcases some incredible technology and design innovations that could set the tone for the VWs of tomorrow. If you have not been keeping up with this concept car’s developments, here are some things that will have you sitting up and taking note.

1. Out-of-This-World Fuel Efficiency

Thanks to its light weight and diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, the XL1 has the honor of being named the most fuel-efficient car in the world. Boasting 313 miles to the gallon, it’s no wonder this concept car has made headlines! Not only that, but this two-seater only emits 24 g/km of carbon dioxide, which is an impressive feat in vehicle efficiency. With this kind of technology, we can only imagine where next-generation, mid-range Volkswagens are headed in the years to come.

2. Designed Using a Brand New Patented System

XL1 engineers have swapped certain steel components for carbon fiber, resulting in a car that weighs well under a ton. Volkswagen’s new manufacturing system for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer parts makes this possible.

The car’s body structure is feather-light, with the running gear, drive train, electrical system, and interior bucket seats accounting for the bulk of its weight. The design is so innovative, in fact, that just 23 percent of the car is made from iron or steel. This has the potential to revolutionize the way engineers design and manufacture cars in the future, although Volkswagen will have to work out the mechanics of producing these types of cars on a massive scale (the XL1 is handcrafted).

3. Futuristic Look

No other car on the road looks like the XL1 – not even the most innovative, forward-thinking electric vehicle like the Tesla. Volkswagen has embraced an edgier design reminiscent of the DeLorean DMC-12, which was the car used in the Back to the Future films. Its overall finish is much sleeker, however, with an optimized aerodynamic teardrop-shaped body and unexpected scissor doors that catapult the XL1 into the next century. This car is such a stunner that it’s already turning heads everywhere it goes.

4. Two Distinct Modes Put the Driver in Control

Being a hybrid, the XL1 has two modes: electric and diesel engine. Electric mode is virtually silent, providing a peaceful driving experience like none other. When the diesel engine takes over, though, the car emits a truck-like sound that kicks its power and performance into high gear. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph, so you won’t be taking this one on the Autobahn anytime soon, but that’s a faster top speed than many electric vehicles currently on the market.

We might still have a way to go before cars like the XL1 are available to everyone, but Volkswagen has truly set the bar high on this one.

Image via Pixabay