Volkswagen has handed over the first XL1 to a private customer during an event held at the Transparent Factory in Dresden, Germany, where the diesel plug-in hybrid is made. The first XL1 customer is Dr. Christian Malorny, a Berlin resident who chose for his car the Oryx White pearl effect exterior color combined with a Titan Black and Pearl Gray interior.
“The XL1 has inspired me from the beginning and I am very pleased to be driving my own from now on. With its visionary design and high-tech appearance, Volkswagen has dared something new and innovative,” Malorny said. The car was handed over to him by Thomas Zahn, Director of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen Passenger Cars in Germany.
The Volkswagen XL1 is the most economical series-production car in the world, averaging 0.9 l/100 km (261.3 mpg US). Thanks to its plug-in hybrid powerplant consisting of an 0.8-liter two-cylinder TDI diesel engine rated at 47hp (48PS), an electric motor delivering 20kW (27HP or 27PS), a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery, the two-seater can be driven solely on electric power for a distance of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles).
The XL1 combines sports car characteristics including a CFRP monocoque and outer skin allowing for a curb weight of just 795 kg (1,752 lbs), advanced aerodynamics (drag coefficient of 0.189) and an extremely low center of gravity (1,153mm/45.4in in height).
VW hasn’t officially announced pricing for the XL1, but earlier reports have estimated a starting price of €110,000 ($149,645) for the limited run hybrid vehicle.
By Dan Mihalascu
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