VW

Volkswagen XL1, the 2013 bicylindrical-engined hybrid that is worth more than €100,000

Plug-in hybrids are becoming known to the general public, as the people say, in recent days. However, there are manufacturers that have experimented with very interesting projects with the main objective of reducing consumption. This is the case of the Volkswagen XL1, a great unknown in the automotive industry who had a brilliant idea after its short life.

A sporty, two-seater plug-in hybrid with a consumption of 0.9 liters per 100km, on the NEDC cycle, the most expanded cycle before the arrival of the WLTP. Such a strange concept that it went on sale in 2014 with just 250 units and yes, you can still get one if your pocket allows it.

We owe the birth of the Volkswagen XL1 to Ferdinand Piëch, the same person who commissioned the construction of the most powerful production car of his time: the Bugatti Veyron developed by the German manufacturer. The plan was radically different from the Veryon: It was a sports car with consumption of less than a liter per 100 km traveled and put it into production.

With a front end reminiscent of the Scirocco, the rest of the vehicle was a true aerodynamic adventure. The rear wheels were covered, with a body that narrowed at the rear, to minimize air resistance. I didn't have mirrors. It was just two small chambers and the doors opened like a gull's wings.

But the jewel in the crown was the engine: a twin TDI with direct injection and turbocharger, with a consumption of less than 1 liter per 100. It was derived from the mythical four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel that has powered vehicles like the Golf for generations.

The engine was practically the mythical 1.6 TDI split in half: just over 800cc and two cylinders

It was presented at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, with an 830cc engine, 200hp, a 20 kW electric motor, 5.5 kWh battery and an approved consumption of 0.9 liters at 100. The maximum speed was electronically limited to 160 km/h, although it was capable of exceeding 200 km/h without limitations.

Not even the seats were lined up, to make the car as narrow as possible.

Electric motor was able to travel up to 50 kilometers in electric mode, this is nothing today for the plug-in hybrids we know today. Together with this small electric motor, the vehicle's weight was just 795 kg, much less than half of what we are used to seeing in today's vehicles.

Only 250 units were manufactured and today you can find one by searching a little bith(https://www.autoscout24.es/lst/volkswagen/xl1). Yes, in fact, the average price exceeds 100,000 euros and it won't be easy to keep maintenance up to date.

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