(New Photos Added) Volkswagen has introduced a new performance concept for its fuel-efficient XL1 with the XL Sport moniker and a Ducati Superleggera-sourced V2 engine prior to the Paris Motor Show.
While based on the super-light and super-frugal XL1, the XL Sport ditches the puny 0.8-liter two-cylinder diesel unit producing 57hp (48PS) and replaces it with the world’s most powerful production two-cylinder engine, the Ducati 1199 Superleggera’s 1.2-liter V2 engine with 197hp (200PS) that can rev up to 11,000rpm.
The XL Sport has a newly developed intermediate gearbox to reduce engine speeds by a factor of 1.86, with the 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission driving the rear axle.
VW says the study can hit 100km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds and top out at 270km/h (168mph).
Even though it shares the same basic underpinnings with the limited production XL1, the XL Sport looks the racing part thanks to a wider and longer body many parts of which are manufactured in carbon-reinforced polymer (CFRP).
In particular, the study is 4,291 mm long (XL1: 3,888 mm), 1,847 mm wide (XL1: 1,664 mm), 1,152 mm high (XL1: 1,153 mm) with a wheelbase that has been increased to 2,424 mm (XL1: 2,224 mm). It achieves a drag coefficient of 0.258.
Changes were made to the interior as well, with the XL Sport being individualized with a number of special details such as the unique digital instrument cluster and carbon fiber parts.
VW did not say if it has any plans to produce the XL Sport.
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