Volkswagen to build the "1-Liter" car in 2010

[mckitterick]

With fuel prices going crazy and global warming on everyone's minds, it's really exciting to see a car company step forward and offer a car like this. Tiny engine (333cc), ultra-lightweight construction (carbon-fiber skin and magnesium frame), aircraft-slick aerodynamics (passenger sits behind driver), and - get this - 235 miles per gallon (that's 1 liter of fuel per 100 km, hence the name).

Plus, I think it looks cool:

Click the image to see the story.

It looks not-unlike the enclosed design I plan for my Lil' Vehicle of Danger. Let's hope Volkswagen follows through, builds enough for demand, and sells 'em at a reasonable price!

Chris

EDIT: Click this image to see a story with lots more photos:

Comments

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

"sells 'em at a reasonable price"

Half the car at twice the price! Joking aside, it looks a cool deal. I doubt I could fit one, though. I be big guy problems...

[gryphonrose.livejournal.com]

That is very cool looking--as is the Toyota Lightweight 1/X--but what's with the two-person vehicles? They need to be making these four-seaters at least, because reducing the number of vehicles on the road is always a good idea.

[chernobylred.livejournal.com]

I would definitely drive around town in that. Adorable!

[queza7.livejournal.com]

Neat, I want one! :D

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

And that people stop driving tanks that will smash them to pieces in a wreck. Stupid SUVs.

[stuology.livejournal.com]

It definitely looks cooler than the current European mini-cars. It would be great for a trip for 4 adults and two kids...oh, wait...no.

It would be a nice commuter car for non-carpoolers, or a run errands around town car as long as you aren't picking up too much stuff on your errands. It could be a carpool car for two if the back seat person doesn't mind having both people's take-to-work crap on his lap.

I wonder how well it can pull a hill?

[verminiusrex.livejournal.com]

When they build a good 4 seater that can hold my family with enough trunk space for a weekend away, you have the car that I want.

I think there will always be a trade of speed and size for mileage. My Aspire was a pretty good in town commuter car, but sucked on the highway. But for mileage like that, I'd put up with barely reaching highway speeds and starting the car with a windup key.

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

Between that and the Volt will be a hard choice!

[fireguarder.livejournal.com]

Ye gads, it's a tiny Tucker Torpedo!!!

[bondo-ba.livejournal.com]

I think they probably will, or something very like it... The thing is, fuel prices are NOT going to go down until someone learns to produce the stuff in a lab, in huge quantities cheaper than pulling it out of the ground!

Also, Europeans love this kind of thing, and will buy it. Don't even dream of seeing it in the US, though. US likes Hummers!