Volkswagen 1-litre car
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This article or section contains information about a concept automobile.
It is likely to contain information of a speculative nature, though such must be attributed to relevant sources. Concept cars, by definition, rarely become production models, and any given specifications may change significantly as development progresses.
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The VW 1-litre car, also known as the 1L,[1] is a two-person concept car designed to travel 100 km using just 1 litre of fuel[2] (equivalent to 235 miles per US gallon or 282 mpg Imperial). To achieve such economy, it is made from lightweight materials; the body is streamlined; and the engine and transmission are designed and tuned for economy.
For aerodynamics, the car seats two in tandem, rather than side-by-side. There are no rear view mirrors and it instead uses cameras and electronic displays. The rear wheels are close together to allow a streamlined body. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.159,[2] compared to 0.30 for typical cars.
For light weight, the car uses an unpainted carbon fibre skin over a magnesium subframe. Individual components have been designed for low weight, including engine, transmission, suspension, wheels (carbon fibre), brakes (aluminium), hubs (titanium), bearings (ceramic), interior, and so on. Empty vehicle weight is 290 kg (639 lb).
The engine is a 299 cc (18 cu in) diesel producing just 6.3 kW (8.4 hp). It drives through a six-speed transmission that combines stick-shift mechanics, weight, and drive efficiency with automatic convenience and efficiency controls. The engine is switched off automatically during deceleration and stops. According to Volkswagen, fuel economy is 0.99 L/100 km (238 mpg US). A 6.5 L (1.7 US gal) tank gives a driving range of 650 km (404 mi). If diesel were $3 a gallon, it would cost a little over $5 to travel 400 miles.
The body and frame are designed with crush zones and roll-over protection, and the tandem seating means large side crush zones, and Volkswagen claims protection comparable to a GT racing car.
There is 80 L (2.8 cu ft) of storage space.
Volkswagen expects to begin limited production by 2010.[3][1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Benjamin Jones (May 7th, 2008). VW Confirms 1L Concept Will Become Reality in 2010. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
- ^ a b Volkswagen baut das erste 1-Liter-Auto der Welt. (German). Volkswagen AG. Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
- ^ VW boss confirms 1-Liter car for 2010 (9 October 2007). Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
- Volkswagen: http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/futures/1-litre-car
- Canadian Driver: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/gw/vw1litre.htm
- Supercars: http://www.supercars.net/cars/1935.html
