Volkswagen1 -Liter Concept 158 MPG Tandem 2 -Seater

Ono of the numerous cars that will be shown by Volkswagen this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the latest edition of the 1-liter concept. The name represents the amount of fuel it takes the vehicle to travel 100 km (62 miles) and nominally equates to 235 mpg. In this case, based on the translation, it appears that VW might be taking some liberties with the name since it seems to take 1.49 liters / 100 km, or a mere 157.8 mpg (US). For all practical purposes, the difference is largely inconsequential since so little fuel is used at these lofty levels.

The original 1-liter concept appeared in 2002 and was enormously expensive since it was largely made of one-off unobtanium. This time around, VW used more conventional components and materials to create the tandem two-seater. A 36-horsepower two-cylinder diesel propels it along with some indeterminate degree of hybridization through a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Weight is cut to about 1,100 pounds through extensive use of carbon fiber composites, and the tandem layout helps cut frontal area to a minimum, reducing drag. In the past, VW has said it would like to have a 1-liter car in production by 2010, but we don't know the current status of those plans yet.
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tango - 9/14/2009 10:12:42 AM

+3 Boost

The term "1-litre" is more of a range class. Similarly in the case of motorcycles a "600" bike doesn't necessarily have to have 600ccs, but is anywhere in that general region. A Yamaha YZF-R6 has a 599cc I4, while the Triumph Daytona 675 has a 675cc I3. Both are considered 600s. So I think we can give VW a bit of latitude.

MtlMotors - 9/14/2009 2:39:42 PM

0 Boost

Actually, the name of the car has nothing to do with engine displacement. It comes from its fuel consumption of 1 litre/100 km.

Joe_Limon - 9/14/2009 3:04:57 PM

+2 Boost

which is actually 1.49 L/100km so the term 1-litre is a class range more so then a mileage rating. Which is what tango was saying.

inspirion7 - 9/14/2009 11:13:56 AM

+3 Boost

Yeah, I agree what Tango said, I think. Sounds good.

truckman - 9/14/2009 4:19:19 PM

+1 Boost

i CONCUR WITH THE ABOVE TWO, IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS, I would like to see a 3.72L version with 5 seat capacity, while being safe of course.