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December 16, 2014
The XL Sport: A Ducati Engine in an Ultra-Fuel-Efficient Car | Volkswagen
Volkswagen XL Sport
Ducati Engine Powers the 1-Liter XL1 Car
XL Sport Debuts in Paris
Volkswagen unveiled a concept car at the Paris Motor Show, based on the ultra-fuel-efficient "XL1," but equipped with an engine from Ducati, the motorcycle brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.
Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)
A 200ps Engine in a Car Capable of Over 100km Per Liter
The foundation for the XL Sport,Volkswagen "XL1"was created with the goal of "a car capable of traveling 100km on 1 liter of fuel" and is actually sold in Europe in a limited run of 250 units. The XL1's body was designed with maximum aerodynamic performance in mind, and its monocoque is made of lightweight yet robust carbon fiber, produced using the latest RTM method suitable for mass production. The mid-ship engine is a hybrid combining a 0.8-liter diesel turbo with an electric motor, achieving fuel efficiency exceeding its target at 0.9ℓ/100km (approximately 111.1km/ℓ).
The concept model unveiled as a surprise at last year'sTokyo Motor Show, the "twin up!", and the PHEV "7th generation Golf" based on theGolf GTE" also received feedback from this technology.
The "XL Sport" was developed to leverage this excellent aerodynamic performance and provide a more engaging driving experience.
With a vehicle weight of just 890kg and a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.258, the engine boasts a maximum output of 147kW (200ps) and a peak torque of 134Nm, achieving a top speed of 270km/h. Volkswagen states this is an unprecedented top speed for an engine in the 200ps class.
This engine is a 1,199cc V-twin DOHC supplied by Ducati, a motorcycle manufacturer now part of the Volkswagen Group. It is originally fitted to the limited edition "Ducati 1199 Superleggera" and features an extreme short stroke with a bore of 112mm and a stroke of 60.8mm, capable of revving up to 11,000rpm.
It is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission, but the inclusion of an intermediate gearbox with a 1.86 gear ratio is also highlighted as a special feature of the XL Sport.
Volkswagen XL Sport
Ducati Engine Powers the 1-Liter XL1 Car
XL Sport Debuts in Paris (2)
Performance-Oriented Design
Of course, the engine alone cannot achieve such a top speed. The front suspension is a double wishbone with dampers connected below a pull-rod structure, while the rear also features a double wishbone with dampers connected above a push-rod structure. Both incorporate technologies fed back from motorsport.
While the XL1 used very narrow tires (115/80R18 front, 145/55R16 rear) for aerodynamic priority, the XL Sport is equipped with sports tires (205/40R18 front, 265/35R18 rear) prioritizing performance. Furthermore, lightweight yet high-performance components such as forged magnesium wheels and ceramic brakes have been adopted.
The body itself is also longer by 403mm and wider by 183mm compared to the XL1, achieving a sportier proportion. The dimensions are 4,291mm in length, 1,847mm in width, and 1,152mm in height. The wheelbase has also been extended by 200mm to 2,424mm. Beyond the numbers, the distinctive "dolphin body form" that tapers towards the rear has been eliminated, resulting in a more linear body line extending to the rear end.
The gullwing doors that open from a cut-out in the roof for entry and exit, the special thin glass windshield, and the polycarbonate side windows are carried over directly from the XL1.
The interior has been modified with a sporty finish, incorporating carbon fiber and red accents. Aluminum shift paddles are mounted behind the steering wheel, and a specially designed instrument panel with lap time measurement and hydraulic pressure display has been equipped. The seatbelts are also finished in a racing red.
While the XL Sport possesses a character diametrically opposed to its base model, the XL1, Volkswagen states that the group wishes to express the synergistic effect between Ducati and Volkswagen through this model, and to demonstrate that the cutting-edge technologies of both brands can be adopted as modules.
Volkswagen XL Sport
Body Dimensions | Length 4,291 x Width 1,847 x Height 1,152 mm
Wheelbase | 2,424 mm
Weight | 890 kg
Engine | 1,199cc 90-degree V-twin DOHC
Max Output | 147 kW (200 ps)
Max Torque | 134 Nm
Bore x Stroke | 112 x 60.8 mm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Front Suspension | Double wishbone with dampers connected below a pull-rod structure
Rear Suspension | Double wishbone with dampers connected above a push-rod structure
Tires Front/Rear | 205/40R18 / Rear 265/35R18
Top Speed | 270 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 5.7 seconds
Trunk Space | 107 liters