Spiritual heir to the original Insight: The 150+ mpg 2013 VW L1

Chuck · #1 09-15-2009, 08:24 PM

With a Cd of 0.195, the prototype L1 in 2002 driven at 43 got over 263 US mpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/VW_l1.jpg

Andrew English - TELEGRAPH - Sept 15, 2009

P-l-e-a-s-e sell this in the US!!! Also see NYT review --Ed.

The L1 concept is shorter than a VW Fox and lower than a Lamborghini. When it goes into production in 2013, it will be the most aerodynamic car in the world (Cd 0.195) and, at just 840lb, the lightest.

It is built of the most exotic materials, with slippery carbon-fibre coachwork, a fighter aircraft’s cockpit canopy and rear-view television cameras instead of wing mirrors.

Its tiny, 800cc engine is one half of a VW 1.6-litre TDI turbodiesel unit, which delivers maximum power of 29 brake horsepower together with a 14 horse power electric motor to provide extra oomph for overtaking....[Read More]

Chuck · #2 09-15-2009, 08:53 PM

Let the discussions begin:

Would a boatail and front wheel covers lower the Cd to 0.15?
Could Wayne get 350mpg?
How to do a FAS switch
Could the L1 get better FE, drafting an Insight?

Earthling · #3 09-15-2009, 09:11 PM

Chuck,

My first impression of this concept car was that it "out-Insighted" the original Insight.

That is one cool ride...

Harry

xcel · #4 09-15-2009, 09:41 PM

Hi Chuck:

VW still chasing the 1L (170 mpg) car

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Chuck · #5 09-15-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcel

Hi Chuck:

VW still chasing the 1L (170 mpg) car

___Good Luck

___Wayne

This is what happens when I'm out a few hours.

smart-za · #6 09-16-2009, 02:21 AM

Loremo and Aptera might challenge this car on aerodynamics, but 840lb is astounding. I can't think of any modern car that gets close - even the lightest Lotus 7 replicas are around 1000lb.

-Simon

basjoos · #7 09-16-2009, 05:50 AM

Actually it is the spiritual heir of the Messerschmitt TG500. The old Messerschmitt 2-seater cars had a big influence in the layout of this car.

A boattail and front wheel covers would definitely lower the Cd.

At normal highway speeds, this car, like mine, would likely see only a slight improvement in FE if it were drafting an Insight.

Right Lane Cruiser · #8 09-16-2009, 06:41 AM

You know, if I wasn't so dead set on going electric for my next vehicle this would definitely be at the top of my list of "want it now!!" vehicles.

ALS · #9 09-16-2009, 11:02 AM

What an aussum little car. When we see $5.00 gas those will be flying off the showrooms faster than Prius's did in the spring of 2008.

You wanted an electric car here you go. All you have to do is beg Volvo to build you one.

I knew something looked familiar when I saw that back end.

The 3CC is designed with a steel space frame and an outer body shell of bond-ed carbon fiber. Composite sandwich floor panels are used for safety and light weight. The car’s front electric drive, which provides 0-60 mph acceleration of about 10 seconds and a governed top speed of 85 mph, is powered by 3,000 lithium-ion batteries packaged within the sandwich floor. The batteries, the same type used in today’s laptop computers, provide a driving range of about 180 miles. Up to 20% of the battery pack’s energy can be recovered by regenerative braking.