VW Wheels Out its Economy Supercar

This is arguably the world's most economical car – a streamlined capsule which Volkswagen says uses just under 1.0L/100km. And VW has the real-world figures to prove it.

The car reached 120km/h in the hands of outgoing chairman, Dr Ferdinand Piech, who drove it from VW's Wolfsburg headquarters, in Germany, to the car maker's annual general meeting, in Hamburg.

The diesel research prototype – a close-kept secret until now – used just 0.89 litres of fuel on the journey.

Volkswagen said the real thing – which the car-maker has dubbed "condensed high-tech perfection" – had put to rest widespread industry doubt that such a car could be built.

VW claims 0.99L/100km fuel economy, an aerodynamic cd (coefficient of drag) value of an incredible 0.150, extreme lightweight construction and maximum safety standards.

As the car-maker says, the result is a four-wheeled vehicle that looks more like a sports car than a typical research "mule".

Obviously, the body was developed in a wind tunnel. It's 3.47 metres long, just 1.25 metres wide and just over a metre high, and is made completely of carbon fibre composites.

Kerb weight is just 290kg. To further save weight, the car is unpainted.

The carbon-fibre-reinforced outer skin is tensioned over a magnesium spaceframe, which is even lighter than aluminium.

The 6.3kW, direct-injection 0.3-litre engine is a single-cylinder, mid-mounted ahead of the rear axle and combined with a six-speed automated direct shift gearbox, controlled via a knob in the cockpit. The crankcase and cylinder head are of an aluminium monobloc construction.

At its claimed 0.99L/100km, the 6.5-litre fuel tank gives a theoretical range of 650km without refuelling.

Running gear made of lightweight alloy, tyres that offer optimised rolling resistance and 16-inch wheels made of extremely lightweight composite material further complement the economical drive system.

As you'd expect, the interior is dead simple. Yet VW says it's a two-seater; with driver and passenger sitting side-by-side and gaining access via a 1950s Messerschmitt "bubble car"-style turret top.

Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability program and a driver's airbag. VW says deformation elements at the front end and the spaceframe construction provide impact and roll-over protection comparable to that of a GT racing car.

The Original Story from: drive