Volkswagen trotted out a concept car capable of traveling on one liter per 100 kilometers or 235 miles per gallon back in 2002. The German automaker scrapped the project in 2005 but the second-generation L1 started on the comeback trail in 2007. The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show was the coming-out party for the newest version of the Volkswagen L1, a diminutive concept car with potential as a production vehicle in the next decade. This two-seat car noticeably lacks doors with the driver and passenger required to climb into the L1 through the top.
The L1 features a two-cylinder, 0.8-liter diesel engine, a seven-speed DSG transmission and 10kW electric motor for hybrid driving. The 0.8-liter diesel engine from Volkswagen is operable in ECO mode and Sport mode to accommodate different driving profiles. The engine produces 27 horsepower in ECO mode to restrict speed and save fuel for longer ranges. The Sport mode cranks out 39 horsepower for L1 owners in need for extra juice during day-to-day journeys. Volkswagen further reduces fuel consumption in the L1 thanks to a pair of water pumps carefully operated by the engine computer to cool the engine periodically.
The 10kW electric motor in the Volkswagen L1 is powered by a small lithium-ion battery. The electric motor is used largely with the Stop-Start feature, which uses electrical power to restart the engine after a full stop. The L1 also uses the electric motor to recharge the battery through the regenerative braking system. Volkswagen included the seven-speed DSG transmission with clutch control in the L1 to give drivers greater power over gear shifts. The concept model shown at Frankfurt is clearly designed for Volkswagen’s loyal customers interested in equal parts green driving and traditional handling.
The Volkswagen L1 is a template for the automaker’s future vehicles rather than a gimmick or novelty. The hybrid drive system alone foreshadows Volkswagen’s slow lurch toward greener vehicles. The L1’s slight build and curb weight show that future Volkswagen models will be built lighter to decrease fuel consumption. The L1 concept features LED headlights and tail lights along with air channels along the sides to draw fresh air into the cockpit. While the L1 is likely to remain a niche model once it reaches the production stage, the eco-friendly features presented by Volkswagen will reach the mainstream auto market sooner rather than later.
