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Volkswagen took a bold step towards the future at the recent world launch of its new XL1 prototype model, writes Charlie Holding.
At a ceremony held at the Qatar Science and Technology Park in Doha, in the presence of the Emir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Shaikha Moza bint Nasser and other dignitaries, visitors were given the first glimpse of the futuristic looking new hybrid.
The XL1's bold-looking design features wing doors, which designers claim make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle, a dolphin body form (which narrows towards the rear) and a coupe-shaped roofline without a rear windscreen.
This model is marketed as environmentally-friendly and sustainable, thanks to a combination of lightweight construction, low aerodynamic drag and its plug-in hybrid system consisting of a two-cylinder TDI engine, electric 'E-motor', 7-speed duel clutch transmission and lithium ion battery.
The German car gaint's chairman of the board, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn said: "The figures speak for themselves ... the XL1 attains a CO2 emissions value of 24g/km and an impressive fuel consumption of just 0.91/100km. This vehicle marks a milestone in achieving our goals as we move towards the future."
Volkswagen says that the new model shows the way forward for extreme economy vehicles and clean technologies. The XL1 can be driven for an impressive 35km on battery power alone and can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet.
The prototype can accelerate from 0-100km in 11.9 seconds, although its top speed is electronically-limited to 160km. Thanks to its innovative design, when engaging full power, the electric motor works as a booster to support the TDI engine and delivers 140 Newton metres of torque.
Taking a page straight out of Formula One, to make the car lighter (795kg to be exact), designers have used carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts for the body work. Although the car is considerably lighter than most rivals the makers claim that it is safer than ever thanks partly to the use of the carbon fibre.
In the style of F1 cars, the XL1 has a safety capsule enclosed on top and, depending on the type of collision; the load path can be directed through the A and B pillars, rails and sills, all of which absorb the impact energy.
The prototype also boasts low rolling resistance tyres from Michelin, anti-lock brakes and electronic stabilisation programme, which add to the overall safety of the vehicle.
