The extremely low fuel consumption is achieved through the use of a lightweight construction, carefully honed aerodynamics and of course, the hybrid powertrain that combines a 0.8-liter twin-cylinder diesel producing 48-horses with a 27HP electric motor. If you follow the jump, you can check out live photos as well as on the road videos of the XL1. For more details on the study, read our previous post here.
So, different cars for different needs, although we’re pretty sure that there are plenty of thrill seeking sheiks with a gold fetish out there interested in buying both, should the concepts ever make it into series production.
Powered by an unspecified 310HP engine, the Race Touareg 3 is a no compromise beast capable to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than six seconds, built with know-how acquired in one of the toughest rally races in the world.
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With the new and evolved concept model, VW has managed to further improve the car's fuel economy to a staggering 0.9 lt/100 km, equal to 261 mpg US and 313 mpg UK while emitting a mere 24 g/km of CO2.
Technical advances aside, the major difference between the XL1 and its predecessors is VW's more conventional approach with the automaker dropping the narrow packaging and tandem seating of the L1 in favor of a much better looking and practical design with the driver and passenger placed next to each.
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Motivated by a 115 hp (86 kW) electric motor that draws energy from a set of lithium-ion batteries, the Taxi Concept can reach a top speed of 74 mph (121 km/h) and has driving range of 186 miles (300 km). According to the German automaker, an 80 per cent charge of the batteries takes approximately one hour to complete.
It’s clear that, performance-wise, the EV is more than suited for taxi duty, but Volkswagen didn’t stop there. Designing a body with minimal overhangs, the automaker was able to create a roomy cabin, albeit for only two passengers at the back along with their luggage. Still, that’s pretty impressive if we take into consideration that the concept measures just 3.7 meters (146 inches) in length.
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Eduardo Oliveira, a Brazilian designer who you may remember from the 2012 New Beetle study, has come up with a retro styled proposal to fix this issue for the Transporter's successor. Presented here in a variety of models, the conceptual Transporter is inspired by the famous T1 and T2 VW vans. Granted, the renderings need some polishing up but the idea is there. Hit the break for the full photo gallery.
As you can see in the pictures, the V6 prototype's body has not been altered yet. Only the bigger wheels and four-tail pipes at the back signal that there's something going on here.
Should it make into production, you can rest assured that the R division will dress-up the Jetta with a body kit, probably featuring more aggressive spoilers, lowered side sills and other R goodies, plus interior appointments. We reckon racing seats, sportier steering wheels and pedals are safe bets.
The star attraction at Volkswagen's LA Show booth is the Up! Lite Concept, a three-door, four-seater version of the German firm's future small car. Tipping the scales at just 695 kg or 1,532 lbs, the concept model is powered by a hybrid powertrain comprising of a 51HP 0.8-liter turbo diesel engine and a 13HP electric motor.The three-door study, which is the fifth concept model in the Up! series, has a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds (0-60 mph in 12 seconds).
Volkswagen has us a bit confused with the Up! Lite's fuel economy as the company announces two different figures: a combined fuel consumption of 2.44 lt / 100km (equal to 96.6mpg US) in the European cycle, and 70mpg on the highway for those of us that live on this side of the Atlantic.
Either way, the Up! Lite is -in theory always- extremely fuel efficient
The Germans claim there's a good possibility that the Lite may enter production within the next three or four years as it makes use of many components from the firm' New Small Family of cars that are expected in the market by the end of 2011.
This here is Volkswagen's fifth conceptual take on the Up! city cars and it made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. The Up! Lite is a diesel-electric hybrid concept that is based on the German firm's forthcoming family of small family cars. Volkswagen claims that the Up! Lite is the most fuel efficient four-seater in the world as it consumes a mere 2.44 liters of diesel per 100 km, which is the U.S. equivalent of 96.4mpg [corrected].The three-door hatchback's hybrid drivetrain consists of a 51HP 0.8-liter three-cylinder turbo diesel engine, a 13HP / 10kW electric motor and a 7-speed dual clutch DSG transmission. Furthermore, the Volkswagen is also equipped with a Stop-Start system.
Volkswagen says that when necessary, during a quick passing maneuver for example, the TDI diesel engine and electric combine for a total power output of 65HP / 48 kW.
The company announces that the concept has a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds (0-60 mph in 12 seconds).
At 3.84 meter long, 1.40 meter tall and 1.60 meter wide, the Up! Lite is slightly smaller than a Polo, however, it weighs in at only 695 kilogram or 1,532 lbs thanks to the extended use of aluminum and carbon fiber parts.
The three-door hatchback's styling is clear and is characterized by the broad shoulder section which VW says is reminiscent of the Scirocco (more like the Volvo C30 if you ask us) and the concave profile surfaces which in turn remind us of the BMW 1-Series (since we're reminiscing...).
On the other hand, the design of the concept model's cabin is far more futuristic and unique.
Volkswagen said that both technically and visually, the Up! Lite is a preview of the future and that since many of the components of the concept model are based on those of the future New Small Family, which is scheduled for market launch at the end of 2011, it could form the base for a future production model.
*On a side note, we would like to highlight the fact that, unlike most automakers such as Ford (especially, and at least when it doesn't concern dubious promotion methods...), GM, BMW, Nissan, Jaguar etc, that provide certain outlets (blogs, magazines, news sites) with press material well before the official presentation giving them an unfair time advantage over the rest of us, VW uploaded the full press kit on the Up! Lite on its official site ahead of time, simply noting that there was an embargo until 7pm CET. Hopefully more automakers will follow this example in the future.
