Volkswagen is moving ahead with the development of the production version of the XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) diesel-electric hybrid concept, which we first laid eyes on at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show.
Earlier this year, we saw the Volkswagen XL1 testing in some cold-weather climates, and as the ultra-fuel-efficient hybrid gets closer to production, some more spy photos have spilled over the net showing the car performing hot-weather tests. A production version of this diesel plug-in hybrid car is expected to return 235 miles per gallon, and it could be on sale in limited numbers by next year.
The production model’s exterior dimension should mirror those of the concept at 3,888mm long, 1,665mm wide and just 1,156mm tall. Inside, the XL1 has enough room for two passengers up front.
The vehicle makes use of lightweight materials such as magnesium, ceramics, aluminum and CFRP, to keep the curb weight down to just 795 kg (1,752 pounds).
Talking about Power, it is provided by hybrid system comprising a 47hp (48PS) 0.8-liter turbocharged twin-cylinder diesel and 27HP electric motor that produce a combined output of 74HP (75PS).
A seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between the diesel engine and eclectic motor drives the rear wheels of the car.
According to the automaker, in pure electric mode, the XL1 can reach a top speed of up to 35 km (22 mph) before the diesel engine kicks in. Accelerating from rest to 100km/h (62 mph) comes in 11.9 seconds, while the electronically limited top speed is 160 km/h (99 mph) – keep in mind that all these performance numbers are for the concept and not for the final production model.
Volkswagen had said at the time that the XL1 study returns a fuel consumption of just 0.9 lt/100 km, equal to 261 mpg US and 313 mpg UK while emitting a mere 24 g/km of CO2.
The XL1 is slated to hit the market in 2013, probably at Geneva Motor Show, so we should see a production version sometime in late 2012.