At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen debuted its ultra-efficient L1 Concept, which serves as a followup to the One-Liter Concept from 2002. Like the One-Liter, the L1 derives its name from the fact it takes around one liter of fuel to propel the car 100 kilometers (62 miles).
As it turns out, the L1 might not quite live up to the One-Liter’s impressive 235 mpg rating. The car is said to consume closer to 1.38 liters of gas to travel 100 km, so that work out to 170 mpg, which is, of course, still very impressive.
Of course, there’s a trade-off for all that efficiency. The L1 is extremely lightweight at 1,100 lbs, and it has space for just two occupants. The passenger sits behind the driver, and storage is limited.
Power comes from a 36-horsepower two-liter diesel motor coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Rumor has it a production derivative could arrive in 2013. Further details on the car have not been disclosed.
09/16, 8:50 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I think this actually looks really cool, the only thing I don’t like is that the rear wheel is covered. My guess is that that cover is housing something…because it would look a lot better with it off!
09/16, 9:00 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
I think this thing looks so much like the Citroen SM in side profile, and even rear. If it was wider with regular doors it would really be a retro version!
09/16, 11:18 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Wasn’t Spock launched to the Genesis planet in one of these?
09/16, 12:51 PM
posted by:
911
the real wheel is covered because of aerodynamics….they would cover the front wheel also if this would be possible. But there´s no space for turning with the covers in front.
09/16, 1:28 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
This looks better in the reality pics than it does in the brochure pics. I like it. I worry about a few things, like dinging the top of the car when I get in and out, instead of dinging doors. But overall, I think this looks rather fun. The interior looks rather nice.
I’m also digging the LED panel on that camera in that last shot.
09/16, 2:24 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Yeah Johnny, let’s call it the Photon Torpedo.
It’s still very cool.
09/16, 3:25 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
36 horsepower? That diesel engine better be putting out some torque… It’s pretty cool looking though, if they ever produce this I’m sure the Trek fans will buy these as fast as VW can build them
09/16, 8:49 PM
posted by:
reedfast
i wonder how hard this is gonna be to roll over!
09/17, 1:17 PM
posted by:
Samintosh
Perfect for students and office workers in downtown core!
09/17, 4:37 PM
posted by:
A4
…are you sure its a 2.0L engine? very unlikely…
09/18, 6:05 AM
posted by:
ConanTheBarbarian
Thats the stupidest **** i’ve ever seen…
if you want a motorcycle…get a motorcycle… riding around in this will make you look like Pee-Wee Herman’s Royal Bit ch
Imagine this in a side impact with lets say…. ah….uh… maybe an F-350…. HAHAHAHAHAA
its like Paris Hilton getting sacked by Shawn Merriman HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
10/13, 9:48 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for Volkswagen
Dear Volkswagen,
I like that your design division is thinking ahead into the future of automobiles. I think that you are on the right track to the future and hope your designs continue to turn out an impress me this much.
NMOFVW