Volkswagen's L1 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept Returns 170mpg!

Volkswagen's L1 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept Returns 170mpg!

The Frankfurt Motor Show marked the world debut of the new Volkswagen L1 Concept, a cigar-shaped diesel-electric hybrid that draws inspiration from Wolfsburg's original 1-litre concept car that was unveiled back in April 2002. Despite its name, the L1 actually burns a little over 1 lt at 1,38 liter of diesel for every 100 kilometers or about 170mpg US / 204.7mpg UK, while emitting just 39 g/km of CO2.

It may look weird, but the L1 is extremely aerodynamic featuring a co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195 while the use of aluminium and carbon fibre materials in its construction results to a kerb weight of only 380kg or 830 pounds.

Measuring 3,813 mm in length, the L1 is about as long as a Polo, however at just 1,143 mm in height, it's as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago while its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car in the market today.

The concept model can seat two passengers in tandem, with the driver of course sitting up front. Both occupants enter the car through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy.

Power is provided from a 0.8-liter diesel engine derived from the 1.6-litre TDI unit found in the new Golf BlueMotion and a 14-horsepower electric motor that engages either to take over from the diesel for short distances or to offer extra grunt when additional acceleration is required.

Volkswagen says that the L1 accelerates to 100km/h (62 mph) from rest in 14.3 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 160km/h or 99 mph. Even though the L1 has a small 10-litre fuel tank, thanks to its extremely low fuel consumption, the driver can cover a distance (in theory always) of 725 kilometers or 450 miles between stops.

VW 1-Liter Concept - 2002

VW L1 Concept - 2009

Citroen's Aggressively-Chic REVOLTe Concept brings the 2CV to the 21st Century

Citroen's Aggressively-Chic REVOLTe Concept brings the 2CV to the 21st Century

Citroen has given the 2CV a modern twist with the all-new REVOLTe concept mini that broke cover at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the French carmaker's own words, whereas the classic 2CV was "plain and neutral, basic and simple, and slow and bouncy," the REVOLTe is correspondingly, "luxurious and colorful, intelligent and technologically advanced, and lively and spirited." We know that many of you are split over the REVOLTe's appearance (let's not repeat the 'ing' jokes...), but if you must know, we like Citroen's aggressive, almost hot-rodish take on the classic 2CV theme.

The REVOLTe, which bears the logo of Citroen's newly launched DS premium line-up on the bonnet, measures just 3.68m long and is 1.73m wide and 1.35m tall, meaning that it is shorter than the C2 supermini with a wider footprint and a lower height offering the car a sporty stance.

Whereas the exterior of the REVOLTe borrows key styling attributes of Citroen's classic mini, there's nothing 2CV-ish about the car's overly futuristic interior that can be accessed through a pair of conventional doors up front and two rear-hinged 'suicide' doors at the back.

The colorful interior features a 3+1 seat layout, with a driver's seat on one side, a removable rear-facing child-seat in the front passenger space and two passenger seats behind designed to resemble a lounge.

As you've probably figured out already, the 'e' in the concept's name has to do with the hybrid-electric powertrain that combines a small-capacity conventional combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function.

Citroen says that the REVOLTe is not meant to enter production and that it's a pure crowd-pleasing conceptual proposal. However, depending on the reactions at the Frankfurt Show, we wouldn't put it by Citroen to use the REVOLTe as a base for a future production model.