Volkswagen debuts XL Sport at the Paris Motor Show

The latest prototype from VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The XL SportVolkswagen XL SportGermany, 2014 > present is based on the XL1Volkswagen XL1 Gen.1Germany, 2011 > present1 Version
30 photos
, the most efficient car launched to date.

At the rear of the XL Sport is a technological innovation, an adapted V2 engine from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, the most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle.

The Ducati 1199 Superleggera has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. In the automotive world, the XL Sport achieves something similar. In this case is the ratio between weight (890 kg), power (200hp) and aerodynamics. One of the most outstanding characteristics of this ratio is the vehicle aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.258.

What contributes the most to XL Sport's performance besides the aerodynamic chassis design is, for example, the special air curtains that direct the air in the frontal area in specific channels, wheel arch ventilation, optimized underbody, extendable rear spoiler, among other features. The V2 engine was slightly modified for the XL Sport. In addition to the two cylinder four-valve engine has a desmodromic valve control system typical in Ducati engines.

Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 5.7 seconds. The combination of the high-revving V3 engine, low weight, aerodynamics and redesigned chassis contribute to a track worthy performace. The chassis, incorporated in a high-strength steel space frame, consists of a double wishbone front axle with the dampers connected below in a pull rod configuration, and a double wishbone rear axle with the dampers connected above in a push rod configuration.

Only 250 units of the XL Sport will be manufactured.