Volkswagen Says That 50 XL1s Coming in 2013; Bluesport on Hold

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head of product development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg says that plans to produce the Bluesport eco-roadster are on hold, but it will build 50 of the super efficient XL1sVolkswagen XL1Germany, 2011 > 201119 photos
in 2013. 

“The car is fantastic, but the market does not give me the customers. It’s in the back of my garage – and if the market changes we can realize it [production] in two years,” said Dr. Hackenberg about the Bluesport. 

The Bluesport was meant to be a mid-engined sports car that used a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 180hp and 260lb-ft of torque and a six-speed DSG. It was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. It has been rumored several times that the car would enter production. 

“We are waiting to choose the right location to launch the car. I drove it for 400 to 500 kilometers a few weeks ago and have never been photographed so many times,” said Dr. Hackenberg about the XL1.

He also said that while 50 will be made next year, Volkswagen has a maximum annual production of 5,000 per year if there is demand. 

The XL1 is Volkswagen's idea for a car that is as efficient as possible. It is meant to use 0.9l/100km (261mpg) and emits 24g/km of CO2. The concept uses a two-cylinder TDI with 48ps and a plug-in electric motor with 27ps. It uses a seven-speed DSG transmission. It has a pure electric range of 35km. 

The XL1's body is made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and its monocoque is made from carbon fiber. 

In addition to the super efficiency engine and low weight, it has a 0.186 coefficient of drag. This comes from the covered rear wheels and lack of side view mirrors. Instead there are rear-facing cameras that project their images to screens on the interior. 

Source: Auto Express