New Concept Car: Volkswagen XL1

In the battle for the sky-highest fuel-efficiency figure, Volkswagen continues to hone its superweapon. The XL1 concept, unveiled today at the Qatar auto show—foolishly, we neglected to put a man on the scene—is a plug-in hybrid boasting triple-digit fuel economy. It builds on prior super-high-efficiency concepts from VW, namely the 1-Liter that debuted in 2002 and the L1 concept that appeared in 2009. The former used a tiny diesel engine and was designed to travel 100 kilometers on a single liter of fuel, hence the name; the L1 added a plug-in hybrid system in pursuit of a more marketable approach to the same goal.

Like the L1, the XL1 uses a two-cylinder turbo-diesel. Displacing 800 cc, it is rated at 47 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque and transmits power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission. The electric motor pitches in with 27 hp and 74 lb-ft, and can work in parallel with the diesel or drive the car independent of it. Fully charged, the XL1 can travel up to 22 miles on electric power, and Volkswagen predicts a fuel-economy rating of 261 mpg in hybrid mode. Performance credentials include a claimed 11.9-second 0-to-62-mph run and a governed top speed of 99 mph.

Riding on an 87.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 153.1 inches long, the XL1 has a footprint similar to that of the Mazda 2. But its Lamborghini Gallardo–like height (just 45.5 inches) helps create a slippery drag coefficient of 0.19. The unusual body design was largely influenced by the L1 concept, with a bubble-like greenhouse and sharply tapered rear end that help achieve the outstanding Cd. Two large scissor doors swing up from the A-pillar for easy—and showy—access. The cockpit has two bucket seats, with the passenger seat mounted slightly farther back than the driver’s.

The body is built from carbon fiber, with further weight gains realized by using magnesium wheels, ceramic brake discs, and aluminum suspension components. As a result, the XL1 tips the scales at a skinny 1753 pounds, with just 406 of those accounted for by steel or iron parts.

Volkswagen says the XL1 is “still very much a concept,” but this series of concepts is moving in a very deliberate direction: VW CEO Martin Winterkorn has promised a production version of the 1-Liter by 2013. We’re just wondering how well oil-rich Qatar receives the idea of a 261-mpg car. Next year, we’ll be sure to send someone to the show.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Volkswagen Touareg Diesel Tuned by ABT Sportline

Company ABT Sportline, specializing in fine-tuning the product line of German company Volkswagen, announced the release of a package of improvements for the crossover Volkswagen Touareg, which tuners while paying not much attention as his "brother" Porsche Cayenne.

Appearance of German SUV transformed corrected by installing the radiator grille with wire mesh, modernized lateral skirts, new rear "apron" and a massive spoiler on the edge of the roof. In tuning package includes a new sport exhaust system with four round tailpipes and alloy wheels dimension of 22 inches.

Owners of diesel modifications Volkswagen Touareg will be able to order the upgraded power plants, which machine is able to compete on the road with many sports models. ABT Sportline company has developed a program to increase the capacity turbo engines of 3 and 4.2 liters. The first unit, which develops 240 hp, boosted to 282 hp and torque has increased to 580 Nm. Engine capacity of 4.2 liters received an additional 45 hp and 70 Nm of torque, and now "issues" 385 hp and 870 Nm.

New Concept Car: Volkswagen Taxi

All hail to the up! The latest addition to Volkswagen’s series of up! concept cars, called the VW Taxi Concept, is the last prototype before the city car goes into production next year – and this time designers have looked to our capital city for inspiration!

The final installation in a trio of ‘World Taxis’, the electric three-seater is designed to address the challenges facing cabs in modern cities, which include tighter emissions regulations and increasing demands on space.

Despite being unlike a London black cab in size or shape, the futuristic model features all the add-ons you’d expect, including a ‘Taxi’ light on the roof and the jet-black paint job.

Some more unusual cues include a monochrome Union Jack roof and the London coat of arms applied to the doors. But the smartest part is the use of space. Measuring 3.73 metres in length, 1.66m in width and 1.6m in height, it’s more compact than VW’s current smallest car, the Fox. But there’s still space for the driver plus two passengers, with legroom comparable to a saloon.

Luggage is stored where the front passenger seat would go, removing the need for a boot. The driver sits behind a touchscreen display which relays information on the vehicle’s vital functions, as well as fare and navigation data. Customers in the back are greeted by a large multifunction display showing weather information, their route and immediate location.

Based heavily on the Space up! and Space up! blue concepts, shown at the 2007 Tokyo and LA Motor Shows respectively, the newcomer has been restyled again. The swept-back headlights and vertical rear light assemblies have both been redesigned, while an asymmetrical door layout adds to the car’s functionality.

A conventional front-hinged door on the left allows the driver to climb on board, while an electric sliding door on the other side provides a much larger opening for passengers. Under the skin is an all-electric powertrain similar to the e-up! concept.

Lithium-ion batteries provide power to a single 113bhp electric motor, while the car’s total weight is 1,500kg – which points towards a 0-62mph sprint of 10 seconds and top speed of 74mph. VW claims a range of 186 miles between charges is possible.

The taxi-inspired concept made its debut at a dedicated event in the UK capital this week. The full production version of the up! city car will be revealed next summer. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Oprah Winfrey teased her audience Monday with a full-size silhouette of the 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle's profile design and told the 275 men and women in her Chicago studio they would each get one of the cars when it goes on sale in the autumn of 2011.

No, the car behind the curtain doesn't tell you half of what the spy shots say, though it's no less than what "The Oprah Winfrey Show"'s audience got to see. Oprah says she drives a New Beetle. VW is giving away 275 to Monday's audience, including taxes and fees.

Devotees of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" broadcast in the nascent days of the original VW Type 1 Bug in the U.S. will recognize the simple, elegant white lines on a black background, like those used for that show's opening credits. Unlike the 1999-11 New Beetle, the new one isn't quite as rotund as the famous suspense film director. VW confirms what spy shots have revealed; that the next Beetle will be a little bit more sleek, losing some of the curve in its greenhouse.

That curve served as a distinct, easily recognized look for the New Beetle, though it meant ample front-seat headroom at the expense of rear-seat headroom.

Beyond that, VW revealed precious little information about the '12 New Beetle. It will be available with the 2.0-liter turbo four and Volkswagen's new 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The company won't say whether there again will be a loss-leader base model, with, for example the 2.5-liter I-5 or even the iron-block 2.0-liter four that has reappeared in the value-priced version of the 2011 Jetta.

VW will launch a cabrio after the Beetle coupe's fall '11 on-sale date, probably no earlier than spring of '12. And VW plans to vastly expand its list of accessories and custom options, jumping on the Mini/Fiat 500 bandwagon. Volkswagen will have a full reveal of the design next spring. VW hasn't decided whether to introduce it at the New York International Auto Show.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

2012 Volkswagen Beetle first spy video

Before the keys land in the hands of the Oprah faithful, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle still has to make its world debut. Until then, we have to rely on spy photographers for glimpses of New Beetle.