Back in 2002, Volkswagen created a highly frugal concept dubbed the ‘one-liter’. It was a two-seat, one-cylinder cigar-shaped economy car that promised tremendous fuel economy – up to 282 mpg! But because of the high price of carbon fiber at the time – the one liter’s main construction material – the project was put on hold until at least 2012. However, VW brass has reportedly given the project the green light two years in advance, with the one liter now slated for production in 2010.
According to CarMagazine.co.uk, the one liter’s overall design hasn’t changed much since 2002. The production car will retain its 1+1 seating style, as well as the concepts canopy door.
Weight and aerodynamics will be the name of the game with VW doing everything it can to maximize both. Review mirrors will be replaced with cameras and non-essentials for a vehicle weighing less than 700 pounds – such as power steering and power brakes – will be left off. Despite the amazingly light curb weight, the one liter will still feature a driver’s airbag, ABS and ESP.
The original one liter was powered by a one-cylinder engine, but the production version will use a two-cylinder diesel engine. A hybrid powerplant is also said to be part of the equation, which will allow for partial zero-emissions operation. Power will be sent to the wheels via a motorcycle-sourced transmission.
VW’s ultimate green machine is expected to retail anywhere from $32,000 to $48,000, with production expected to be limited to 1,000 examples annually.
Illustration
2002 concept
07/03, 4:22 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
If the rearview mirrors are to be replaced with cameras, why are there rearview mirrors on the illustration?
07/03, 4:32 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
well, here we have 2 balls riding in the d!ckmobile- congrats!
07/03, 4:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Still say it should have a popsicle stick coming out the back.
07/03, 4:53 PM
posted by:
bigdawg
Looks like a blue dildo on wheels to me.
07/03, 4:57 PM
posted by:
hemiredneck
Sure does look like a blue dildo that HemiRR (Jared) uses in his own butt. Check http://www.myspace.com/hemiroadrunner for details.
07/03, 4:59 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
I guess we have to forego ‘road head’ and settle for a reach around instead on roadtrips.
07/03, 5:03 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
LMAO, Brass Monkey! That was hilarious!
But honestly, would you ever go on a road trip in that thing? You’d have 2nd degree sunburns on your head, face and arms, just from a trip to from L.A. to Vegas.
07/03, 5:06 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LOL brassmonkey. And now that you don’t have to hold her by the hair you’ve got a free hand for the road pop.
07/03, 5:14 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
man i just had a thought here, Top Gun- i could be driving and just start saying “Talk to me Goose” – does this thing come with an eject button in case some 18 wheeler decides to run me over?
07/03, 5:27 PM
posted by:
inline6
beautus,
It has mirrors because LLN just lifted the details of the Up! and smacked ‘em on and probably forgot to take the mirrors off.
07/03, 5:44 PM
posted by:
GermanCarDriver
jumpoffit
I’m not quiet sure whether “Jonny English” reached across the Atlantic, but he used an eject button.
Would be cool on that cigar-shaped car.
If anyone ever buys this car, he’ll just feel like sardines in a tin.
07/03, 7:46 PM
posted by:
iFOD
Looks like a Messershmidt…this will be the next big (stupid) thing…
07/03, 8:09 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Did R2D2 and C3P0 arrive in one of these things?
07/03, 9:16 PM
posted by:
A4
as much as id love to have it, it makes me question how VW can kill something as great as the GX3 and then bring forth a concept that most people have pushed to the back of their mind. I can imagine this will do wonders for their CAFE averages though.
07/03, 10:17 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
How about it’s speed, because if your telling me that it gives 282 mpg with a 30 mph top speed then I prefer a Hummer H1, Thirstier but I could go to anywhere with a lot of fuel-stops in a weekend, instead of going from NY to Boston in a year and a half.
07/03, 11:56 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
BWAAAAAAAAAHAHAAHHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! I knew that ‘Hemiroid’ was a loser. Waylun Jennings and Hank Williams Jr … kill yourself.
07/04, 1:31 AM
posted by:
vwoom
Shape reminds me of them “Salt Flats” racer types….
A price point of $32-48k for this diminutive car…gives new meaning to the term “VW’s ultimate green machine”.
07/04, 9:25 AM
posted by:
oldraven
Rafa LL, the concept was capable of 75mph (120kph) with an 8.5hp one lunger. A V-twin will be even more capable, and even if it halves the efficiency, you’ll still be getting 141mpg.
I love it, and I can’t wait for every automaker to have one of these on the showroom floor. Now we can tell CAFE to bend over and take it back, since there’s no need of killing off any RWD Impala plans now. DD this kind of car, people. You can drive what you want on the weekend.
07/04, 1:02 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Probably won’t pass by the NHTSA with that roof acting as a single door. But the general direction is sound and unfortunately a reality.
07/04, 1:11 PM
posted by:
beantownslut
Very Cute
07/04, 1:14 PM
posted by:
oldraven
The Stig, I think I remember reading that VW had an emergency release on that hatch, in the event of a roll-over. I’m not sure how it worked, but that had been taken into account. I still have the old issue of CAR, so I’ll look it up when I get home.
07/04, 4:11 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I thought all Volkswagons had one liter engines…..
07/04, 4:37 PM
posted by:
DialM4Speed
Really if they are going to make some crap like this shouldn’t it be about $6K tops? I don’t care how many mpg’s it gets I wouldn’t pay more than that for it… well to be honest I wouldn’t pay for it period!
07/05, 10:42 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
Turbo Hayabusa engine