VW hints hyper-efficient, 260-mpg XL1 could come to US, but only to show off

While the limited-production Volkswagen XL1 diesel-hybrid coupe is earmarked for Europe, a small number of the super-light vehicles may find their way to this side of the pond, Plug In Cars says, citing an interview with Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning.

As many as 20 of the projected 250 XL1s may be brought to the US for testing, though how VW would get around the fact that the car's haven't been safety-tested for American roads remains to be seen. We asked VW of America's manager of product and technology communications, Mark Gillies, who poured water on the idea of the XL1 being available in the US: "Not happening. Ever." Gillies did say some XL1 might come here as part of a publicity effort or test drive, but that's about it. Thus, the car won't be sold in America, but a few examples might be spotted here.

Weighing about 1,750 pounds – about 60 pounds less than a Smart ForTwo – the XL1 gets an astonishing 260 miles per gallon. That means that even with a fuel tank that holds just 2.64 gallons, the VW can go upwards towards 700 miles on a full tank of diesel. The car combines a 0.8-liter turbocharged two-cylinder diesel engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor. It's loud and proud of its efficiency numbers, as you can read in our recent first-drive review.