Volkswagen unveiled the new XL Sport yesterday, Oct. 1, both at the Paris Motor Show and in a press release. This new vehicle is based on the original XL1.
The power behind this new car comes from an interesting source: a Ducati V-Twin engine. This engine is adapted from the Ducati 1199 Superleggera, which is the world’s most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle. This engine revs up to 11,000 rpm and produces 197 hp and 99 lb-ft of torque. Before you scoff at the lower power numbers, consider the 1,962 lbs weight of the car. With power and weight considered, the XL Sport has a top speed of 168 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.
No, the performance numbers are not making it into the record books, but its power-to-weight ratio sure is.
The light weight of the car is made possible through a body comprised primarily of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer that is created using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process. Of course, there were a number of other weight saving measures taken, including forged magnesium-alloy wheels that save 53 lbs when compared to aluminum-allow rims and the polycarbonate windows that cannot be rolled down. Instead of rolling down, these windows have a small section at the bottom that can be opened.
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With a unique design and an interesting choice for a powerhouse, the Volkswagen XL Sport is a unique vehicle that we can’t wait to see for ourselves. Only 500 examples of the XL Sport will be created.
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(Source: Volkswagen)
