The rumor was that in 2010, Volkswagen would be releasing a one-seater car with a fuel economy of 258 miles to the gallon costing just $600 each. Since this is 2011, we know this one is not true.
But the truth regarding this car is still interesting. Since 2002, VW has been working on a car called the L1. It seats 2 people and is made from carbon fiber so it’s super light at just 290 kg or 638 pounds. The body is flat and narrow, and even includes a little bit of storage space. The price tag will be around $25,000.
The prototype has a single-cylinder diesel engine (though that could change), anti lock brakes, driver's airbag and an electronic stability program. It holds 6.5 liters or 1.72 gallons of gasoline and does, in fact get 258 miles per gallon with a top speed of around 74 miles per hour. The body of the car is made from carbon composites (much like that of a high-end bicycle) and has an incredible coefficient of drag (it's slippery).
So what does all of this mean? It means that you could drive from Los Angeles to New York on less than 10 gallons of gas. With gas at $4-$5/gallon, that means you could drive across the country for under $50.
VW is also working on another car that can achieve 100 miles per gallon and will reach top speeds of 140 miles per hour. It also has a carbon fiber body that weighs only 1870 pounds and the turbo diesel engine will accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.
I have just two thoughts.
First, it seems like Ford, GM, and Chevy may be lagging behind again. What's new?!
Second, I wonder how your luggage would get across the country if you traveled in an L1?
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