238mpg Volkswagen 1-liter Car enters limited-edition production

It’s been almost 6 years since Volkswagen launched the 1-Liter Car Concept, a car capable of returning a fuel-economy of 238mpg. According to CAR, Volkswagen executives have approved a top-secret plan to build a limited edition of the concept in 2010.

Surprisingly, the 1-Liter Car Concept won’t change much. Design wise the car will still be pretty small with the passenger still sitting behind the driver. In order to ensure optimum structural rigidity, the canopy door concept will be carried over.

The concept was powered by a 299 cc diesel producing just 8.4-hp mated to a manual six-speed transmission that combines stick-shift mechanics. However the production version may see some more refinement with more...
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Brembo - 7/1/2008 4:34:16 PM

+1 Boost

I wander why fuel efficient car does not look good. Did the scientists design the chasis too?

WorldofLuxury - 7/1/2008 4:54:24 PM

+4 Boost

I don't think they have to look good...just look cool and different, which in turn would make them look good...like the Prius...and the Volt...
...and I've just lost the point I was trying to make.

Brembo - 7/1/2008 5:15:14 PM

+2 Boost

hahaha. funny.

ChicaneShooter - 7/2/2008 6:28:53 AM

+1 Boost

actually, it DOES look sorta cool-- (EXCEPT for the headlight setup). looks like an earthbound fighter!

here's where japanese stylists COULD make it look good.

Agent009 - 7/1/2008 4:52:55 PM

+17 Boost

Odd you mention Prius and powerful in the same sentence.

daytonaviolet - 7/1/2008 7:42:29 PM

+8 Boost

Interesting...I don't think that the Prius will get near 238 MPG, will it?

Of course, sacrifices have to be made to get that kind of MPG. This car isn't main stream, but hopefully VW is learning new things with this car that can be used in future cars.

IamEvilHomer - 7/2/2008 12:55:19 AM

+3 Boost

taylor- did we hurt your ego with this post?

atomicbri - 7/2/2008 7:10:22 AM

+2 Boost

LOL I can always count on MichaelTaylor to provide me with good laughs of hysteria as I read his dribble! I was feeling kind of down about the car market as a whole, then I read this comment and laughed my a%$ off. He lives on Planet Toyota, where all things Toyota are greater than even himself....

carguy68 - 7/1/2008 5:30:02 PM

+1 Boost

haha so true ^^^^^

0to60 - 7/1/2008 5:34:39 PM

+2 Boost

I think it is ohio that has a law that requires ppl driving and riding in these type of vehicles wear a helmet. They must also pass a Motorcycle test. Wonder if other states will implement that rule.

Threepoint1415926 - 7/2/2008 4:13:40 AM

+1 Boost

What exactly defines "this kind of vehicle"? Seems to have 4 wheels and it's definitely a car.

ghosthunter - 7/1/2008 5:45:52 PM

+4 Boost

giving up utility, space, safety, speed, comfort and fun. all for a high MPG. why don't you just get a motorcycle instead? there is nothing this car can do that a 250 cc bike cannot. and a 250 cc bike is freeway legal, and doesn't cost you 31,615 to own one.

chewy - 7/2/2008 1:57:18 AM

+2 Boost

a motorcycle will never get 235 mpg because of crappy aerodynamics

ChicaneShooter - 7/2/2008 6:33:43 AM

+1 Boost

this is like the late 1950s bmw Bubble Car, updated. it only had a 200cc engine. and NOWHERE the mileage this is capable of.

bring it on! the mpg figures, IF actually achievable in real world driving, more than makes up any and all deficiencies in looks and "performance."

with nearly 240 mpg, you can LAUGH at even $10/gallon gas!

IamEvilHomer - 7/2/2008 12:56:05 AM

+1 Boost

or over that with Audi

DieselRules - 7/3/2008 4:56:53 PM

+1 Boost

GreenPlease: the reason for the low HP figures is its not gas, its diesel, which means high torque. VW/Audi has engines with much more than 100HP/Litre (like 240 HP versions of the old 1.8t, which were modified to 338 HP for rally cars ... see goapr.com) but diesels have low HP and relatively huge torque in comparison.

Heyhuub - 7/2/2008 5:15:26 AM

0 Boost

This concept is about 10 years old now.

truckmen - 7/2/2008 5:20:59 AM

+1 Boost

Impressive mileage, unfortunately I can't say the same about the car. It doesn't look safe. I would take PML's mini cooper over this any day! 640BHP VS 8.4hp? With probably comparable fuel mileage?

truckmen - 7/4/2008 4:35:42 AM

+2 Boost

I'd like this motor for my lawn mower.

DieselRules - 7/4/2008 11:32:49 PM

+2 Boost

Its a tiny engine, but they did drive it on the freeway.
Its not meant to be a practical vehicle, its more a proof-of-concept.
Funny that it gets no publicity, yet if was a hybrid and got even half the MPG it would be all over the news!