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Volkswagen 1-Liter Car demonstrates 235 mpg, slated for 2010 production
VW 1-Liter Car gets 235 mpg
Posted 08.21.2009 in Reviews by Christopher
Although Volkswagen’s 1-Liter car can not claim zero emissions credentials and does not feature an electric traction motor, Electric Car Insider finds it noteworthy enough to make mention of it here.
Originally unveiled in 2002, this carbon-fiber composite body eco miser gained instant popularity. With its ultra-modernist styling and unprecedented super-efficient fuel economy, demonstrated to be up to 235 mpg, eco enthusiasts worldwide lobbied for Volkswagen to put the car into production. VW suggested the car would be produced when the cost of producing the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis came down to a reasonable level, which they estimated might be 2012.
The VW 1L will be produced two years ahead of schedule, in 2010. Pricing has not been announced, but is expected to be in the range of $30,00 - $45,000. Although pricey, the cost reflects the cost of manufacturing a car from the same materials as a Formula 1 race car. When the total cost of ownership is considered, including fuel savings between $2,500-$4,500 per year, the purchase price becomes competitive with other high-tech eco vehicles.
The low-profile 1L measures only 3.3 feet tall. It is 11.4 feet long and 4.1 feet wide.
The car has a coefficient of drag of 0.16, about half the drag of a conventional vehicle. Aerodynamic detailing includes a belly pan to smooth the airflow under the car and the composite wheels are hidden under wheel covers. The engine cooling vents open only when slower speeds require additional air flow over the cooling system. Video cameras take the place of mirrors.
A large part of the phenomenal fuel-efficiency is gained by the 1L’s unusual tandem seating arrangement – similar to a jet fighter – where the passenger sits behind the driver. To ensure optimum structural rigidity, and completing the styling reference to a supersonic fighter, the car features an aircraft-style canopy door.
Although generally less popular and comfortable than typical side-by-side seating, the futuristic look this arrangement gives the vehicle is sure to win plenty of devotees. For a commuter car that is primarily driven solo, this seating configuration is not much of a limitation.
The original prototype was powered by a one cylinder diesel engine. The production model is expected to have a two cylinder turbo-diesel able to provide more torque and power when needed for real-world conditions.
Volkswagen says the One-Liter Car is as safe as a GT race car. The car has built-in crash tubes, pressure sensors for airbag control and front crumple zones.
Safety equipment will include ABS, ESP and a driver's airbag. The lighting systems uses LED headlights and taillights. The transmission uses a sequential motorbike-style shift pattern.
VW’s engineers specified assemblies made of lightweight magnesium, titanium and aluminum to get the total vehicle weight down to just 660 lbs. The front suspension assembly weighs 18 pounds. The six-speed transmission features a magnesium case, titanium bolts and hollow gears and weighs just over 50 pounds. The 16-inch wheels are carbon fiber.