VW working on an inexpensive car that gets 235mpg, 3000+ mile range, biodiesel
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VW working on an inexpensive car that gets 235mpg, 3000+ mile range, biodiesel
via motorauthority
VW Chairman promises 1L/100KM car in 3 to 4 years
Monday 16 April 2007
On the eve of his 70th birthday, Volkswagen’s Chairman Ferdinand Piëch assured reporters during an interview that a super-efficient vehicle capable of achieving mileage rates as impressive as 1L/100km is in development and could be sold at a reasonable price within four years. A simple calculation shows that the vehicle could theoretically travel up to 5,000km on a single 50L tank of fuel, most likely some form of bio-diesel.
Piëch was one of the pioneers that saw the creation of VW’s previous 1-Liter concept pictured above, a prototype that he himself drove from Wolfsburg to Hamburg at an average fuel consumption of 0.89L per 100km. Speaking with German newspaper Brauschweiger Zeitung last Friday, Piëch boasted that VW could have a production version of the 1-Liter ready in three to four years time and that we could see a more practical 3L/100km capable car based on its entry-level Lupo before then.
After working with suppliers, VW will now be able to source the expensive materials required to build such cars for around €5,000 in around two years time. Current prices for the same resources stand at close to €35,000. When he switched over from CEO, development work for both cars were well underway but his successor Bernd Pischetsrieders was not a fan and the project got shelved for a few years. Now it seems, things are in full swing.
Monday 16 April 2007
On the eve of his 70th birthday, Volkswagen’s Chairman Ferdinand Piëch assured reporters during an interview that a super-efficient vehicle capable of achieving mileage rates as impressive as 1L/100km is in development and could be sold at a reasonable price within four years. A simple calculation shows that the vehicle could theoretically travel up to 5,000km on a single 50L tank of fuel, most likely some form of bio-diesel.
Piëch was one of the pioneers that saw the creation of VW’s previous 1-Liter concept pictured above, a prototype that he himself drove from Wolfsburg to Hamburg at an average fuel consumption of 0.89L per 100km. Speaking with German newspaper Brauschweiger Zeitung last Friday, Piëch boasted that VW could have a production version of the 1-Liter ready in three to four years time and that we could see a more practical 3L/100km capable car based on its entry-level Lupo before then.
After working with suppliers, VW will now be able to source the expensive materials required to build such cars for around €5,000 in around two years time. Current prices for the same resources stand at close to €35,000. When he switched over from CEO, development work for both cars were well underway but his successor Bernd Pischetsrieders was not a fan and the project got shelved for a few years. Now it seems, things are in full swing.
I guess the main downside is that, much like a motorcycle - you probably don't want to be in a wreck in that thing!
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Very neat. However, I would like to make sure they have a balance in the deisgn. Not an ultimate mileage machine at any cost. But a simple, efficient, clever design that everyone can afford.
I wonder if that 4 years means its acutally coming, or if its just bragging "we could if we wanted to... but we won't, instead here is the new, larger Toureg".
I wonder if that 4 years means its acutally coming, or if its just bragging "we could if we wanted to... but we won't, instead here is the new, larger Toureg".
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From: Milton, FL
what kind of fuel economy would a standard off the shelf mass produced 4-cyl engine get if placed into that same chassis? isn't it obvious that if you reduce size / weight you'll be able to achieve better fuel economy? isn't this just a go-cart with a diesel engine?
not impressed.
not impressed.
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From: Toronto, ON Canada
what kind of fuel economy would a standard off the shelf mass produced 4-cyl engine get if placed into that same chassis? isn't it obvious that if you reduce size / weight you'll be able to achieve better fuel economy? isn't this just a go-cart with a diesel engine?
not impressed.
not impressed.
So yes, the engine also makes a big difference.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Albany, NY
Looks pretty interesting. I hope it does well and goes into mass production. I don't think I'd buy one. I'd like to see what that engine could do in an Aveo or one of Chevy's 3 small car concepts.
Chevy Beat that gets 100mpg would be worth buying for daily use.
Chevy Beat that gets 100mpg would be worth buying for daily use.
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From: Memphis
I'm guessing you're probably at least if not more safe in that thing than you would be on a motorcycle, so while I'm not sure I'd be willing to risk my life driving it, there are probably plenty of people who would in order to have such cheap transportation.
As mentioned - if it were that easy, why don't small displacement motorcycles get better mileage? Some of those things have a displacement barely bigger than my walk behind lawnmower and still don't clear 100mpg highway.
Small motor + light weight doesn't just = 235mpg by default...
what kind of fuel economy would a standard off the shelf mass produced 4-cyl engine get if placed into that same chassis? isn't it obvious that if you reduce size / weight you'll be able to achieve better fuel economy? isn't this just a go-cart with a diesel engine?
not impressed.
not impressed.
Small motor + light weight doesn't just = 235mpg by default...
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From: Toronto, ON Canada
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Pewee Valley, KY
In response to the 'why don't motorcycles get better mileage?' questions, simple they are geared for performance. If geared for economy they would likely do much better. Also a diesel engine, w/ a slower burn rate and lower RPMs, would make quite a big difference.
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From: Toronto, ON Canada
We're not talking about super sport bikes or cruisers. We're talking about transportation motorcycles, appliance motorcycles. But let's even consider scooters. They have tiny engines and are geared for moving you (and perhaps your passenger) from point A to point B.
Motorcycles, however, are not very aerodynamic, and at higher speeds (above 60-70 km/h) wind resistance starts to play a role.
Like Threxx said, though, small engine+light weight do not equal to 235 mpg by default.