And now some tech talk: The L1 weighs only an astonishing 290 kg with unpainted carbon fibre skin over a magnesium-alloy sub frame. For aerodynamics, the car seats two in tandem, rather than side-by-side. Total aerodynamic drag is minimal with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.159, compared to 0.30 for typical cars. The L1 features an aircraft-style canopy, flat wheel covers and an underbelly cover for smoother airflow. Engine cooling vents open only as needed. The external dimensions of the car are 3.47 m (11.4 ft) long, 1.25 m (4.1 ft) wide and 1.0 m (3.3 ft) high. Cameras and electronic displays replace rear-view mirrors. There is a whopping 80 L (2.8 cubic ft) of storage space. The engine is a one-cylinder 299 cc (18 cubic in) diesel producing just 6.3 kW (8.4 hp), but the production version will use a 2-cylinder version with somewhat higher power. It will also differ in its toned-down hybrid design. Fuel economy is 0.99 L /100 km (238 mpg), which means that if diesel were $3 a gallon, the fuel to travel 400 miles would cost $5!
Now imagine this: Despite its futuristic look and revolutionary concept, the L1 is not a « concept car » but a “real car” designed to run on streets. Volkswagen confirmed the L1 to be available as soon as 2010 as a limited series vehicle, produced exclusively in the Volkswagen prototype factory at only around 1,000 cars per year. Launch of a single-seater is expected first in Shanghai during 2010. The price? $31,400 to $47,100 US. It is unknown if distribution will include Canada or the United States.
As a German tree-hugger living in North America, I would certainly like to drive a car like the Volkswagen L1. But I’m curious: is it something that the American people would be tempted to buy? Let me know…
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