24 cars blue sky: Volkswagen XL1 Ready For Prime Time

Afew years after its debut in concept form, Volkswagen is readying the ultra-efficient XL1 on a limited production basis. The XL1 could cost as much as 70,000 pounds (or $106,000), and return as much as 314 mpg (according to European test protocols).

The heart of the XL1 is an 800 cc 2-cylinder diesel engine making 47 horsepower, along with a 27 horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery along with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Curb weight is a mere 1752 lbs thanks to extensive carbon fiber usage.

A drag coefficient of 0.189 aids in achieving superb fuel economy, while other tricks like covered rear wheel arches and a pair of cameras in place of mirrors also help the XL1. The XL1 will be built in limited numbers and sold only in left-hand drive, as a sort of green halo car. But the powertrain will eventually be ported into their Up! city car as a new, ultra-efficient model.