Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Volkswagen
VW 1-liter eco-friendly car set to make a return
Click above for more shots of the VW One-Liter concept car
A few years back, Volkswagen introduced a concept vehicle which derived its name from its stated goal of using just one liter of fuel per one-hundred kilometers traveled, and according to CAR production version may be on the way in 2010. The original concept actually beat its lofty goal rather handily as it managed to achieve a miserly 282 miles per gallon in testing. Much of its amazing fuel-saving capability stemmed from its 660 pounds (300 kilograms) curb weight. The concept also featured a single cylinder engine and a 1+1 seating arrangement down the center of the car. While the engine is likely to be replaced by a twin-cylinder turbodiesel with hybrid drive, the carbon fiber construction and canopy-style roof are likely headed for production.
As you'd expect, such technology and carbon-heavy construction isn't going to come cheap. To offset part of the cost, the automaker is surely looking for some government assistance for purchasers of the limited edition machine, though it could still be sold at a loss. Safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control aren't lacking, but convenience items like air conditioning may be optional. In that case, we'd recommend being really comfortable with your passengers in the rather close-knit quarters.
Gallery: VW One-Liter Car
[Source: CAR]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Gstill 3:07PM (7/01/2008)
I don't know if this thing would hold up if it got hit head-on by a smart fortwo.
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Mike 9:14PM (7/01/2008)
Keep the ABS, SC, and airbags and give me some AC, a killer sound system, and a 80hp TDI.
FillerUp 3:11PM (7/01/2008)
I'll take 2.
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Daniel 3:12PM (7/01/2008)
I will be first in line to buy one. My round trip commute to work is 180 miles each day. I will either need this car or an oil well?
Small Diesel-plug-in Hybrid is the way to go.
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rouse42 3:38PM (7/01/2008)
maybe you should consider a job a little closer to home.
adding 3+ hrs to your work day kinda sucks.
there's a girl that works with my wife's, who drives 2.5hrs each way every day. thats just crazy!
Marty 3:39PM (7/01/2008)
...and you never thought about moving any closer?
Aprime 3:50PM (7/01/2008)
'BAAAAAAAW I WANT THE SUBURBAN LIFE BAAAAAAWWW'
BlackCanary 4:25PM (7/01/2008)
Yeah - just move, forget about home equity, neighbors, school systems, kids friends, spouse jobs, job opportunity, family, grandparents, roots, community, etc. Its fun to be critical of others situation without knowing any details.
Daniel 4:50PM (7/01/2008)
If you could see where I live, in a 5,000 sq. ft. all cedar alpine home on a six acres parcel at 6,000 ft. elevation up in the big pines you would understand why I make the long drive each day to down town Los Angeles (suck!).
Mike 5:44PM (7/01/2008)
You'd have to live in the Playboy mansion for me to understand the need to commute 180 miles each day.
Do you even get home in time to enjoy all your land and sq footage? 180 mile drive to and from L.A. has to be at least 4 hours right? So you work a minimum of 8, spend 4 in the car, 8 sleeping, 1 getting ready for work and your left with all of 3 hours each day?
mroverlord 7:55PM (7/01/2008)
Yeah, I would NEVER, EVER commute 180 miles to work. I would suffer, live closer, save money, retire early, THEN get the McMansion in the country and not work.
Then again, I am not in to excessive housing. No desire to pay for utilities on a place like that.
Evotec 5:15PM (7/02/2008)
Driving 180 miles to work? i wouldnt do that unless your salary is each month over 10k
DJ_Swammi 3:18PM (7/01/2008)
Did you see those rear passenger footrests in pic 2?
This thing is a kayak on wheels.
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Steveboss 3:20PM (7/01/2008)
Along with this , I would like to see 'GX3' 'Nardo W12' and 'Eco Racer' dirivitives.
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Steveboss 3:26PM (7/01/2008)
I know the w12 would be a stretch and it seemed kinda like a dog in Gothem Racing 3 but a boy can dream haha
MachinaDC5 3:21PM (7/01/2008)
I've got to commend whoever came up with this one for making such an excellent scale replica of human feces.
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WG 3:22PM (7/01/2008)
And they're not making this in the U.S....WHY?
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Chris-B 3:26PM (7/01/2008)
This looks like a VW concept car Luigi Colani would have done 30 years ago. About time the Germans come around.
s13hybrid 3:46PM (7/01/2008)
I still am disapointed their three wheeled open top concept never moved on. Oh well, this car would work great commutes, or maybe that one person 3 hour drive I take every now and again.
I will take one please.
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lorenzo 3:47PM (7/01/2008)
why so many haters in the comments on this blog? It is scary how right-wing and resistant to change everyone is. It would be neat if they offered a natural gas hybird, wont happen. I think people are slowly realizing that to be a car guy and still enjoy the internal combustion dino juice roar you must commute in something economical, and have a second vehicle for fun and weekends. What's so hard about that? NOBODY commutes in a Viper, because it is not fun to be stuck in traffic in one.
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