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Who wants a turn in this Ducati-powered XL Sport?

Volkswagen XL Sport

The Volkswagen XL1 is made for a future where fuel efficiency is mandatory, not just something nice to have. With it’s diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain capable of rationing fuel at the rate of just 0.9l/100km it really will drive your dollar further.

So what are we to make of this XL Sport, then? Addressing students at the Vienna University of Technology Ferdinand Piech, Volkswagen Group boss, presented this aggressive looking project car which throws out all of the miserly principles the XL1 was built on.

The XL Sport is powered by a 140kW V-twin engine nicked from a Ducati 1199 Panigale R and we think it looks like a lot of fun. Remember, the XL1 weighs just 795kg (unladen).

We don’t think this is the mooted XR1 model we reported on back in July, but we’d not be surprised if Projekt XL Sport is the concept on which the XR1 could be based.

Hopefully we’ll learn more about the XL Sport from official channels very soon.

[Source: Bild via Autoblog]

Volkswagen XR1 “supercar” on the cards

Volkswagen XR1 rendering

Volkswagen is planning to make a lightweight supercar based on its fuel efficient XL1, according to Car magazine. Known as the XR1, the lightweight sports car has set its sights on the Porsche 911.

Like the XL1 the XR1 will employ carbon fibre body work to help achieve its target kerbweight of 850kg. In order to compete with the 4.6 second sprint to 100km/h achieved by the 911 Carrera the XR1 could use the 2.0 litre turbocharged engine from the Golf GTI. Unlike a 911 the XR1 will be mid-engined.

With such little weight to move around the GTI engine should have the grunt required to propel the Â£40K XR1 to mid-4 second 100km/h sprints. A low kerbweight would aid improvements in fuel efficiency as well.

To ensure the XR1 can handle its relatively hefty power its wheelbase and width will be increased compared with the XL1 to allow for a more stable and dynamic driving experience.

A conventional side by side two-seat arrangement will also be possible thanks to the increased width, rather than the staggered seating arrangement in the XL1.

As for timing, its understood the project has yet to be signed off for production, so we’ll keep watching this story with interest.

[Source: Car]