German carmaker Volkswagen has given its go for the the produciton of an exotic, two-seater that you only normally see in concept form. The VW XL1 is a hybrid vehicle that features mirrors that are based on cameras, enclosed wheels on its rear end, and gullwing doors. It will hit the production line during the first half of 2013.
Volkswagen did not disclose the tag price of the XL1 but experts see it to come between $40,000 and $67,000. The company has the permit to produce 1,000 units every year.
The power of the XL1 will come from a twin-cylinder diesel powerplant that gives out 48 horses and an electric motor that churns 27HP.
Volkswagen can be considered a late comer into electric engines after claiming for years that diesel is the best way to go in terms of fuel efficiency. It has put aside the concept of a hybrid powertrain that combines electric motors with the conventional combustion engine.
During a recent press event, VW disclosed that the XL1 will be made in its Osanbrueck factory and the car will be the company’s first push to the market of plug-in hybrids.
The XL1 tips the scale at just 795 kilos while standing lower than the Posch Boxster and comes shorter than the subcompact VW Polo.
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