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The Frugal and the Fast: VW's XL1 Speedy Variant
The Volkswagen XL1 hybrid is a benchmark in fuel
efficiency, getting on the order of 261 mpg. It uses a
48-hp two-cylinder, 0.8-liter common rail turbodiesel,
a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, and 20-kW
(27-hp) electric motor (see: autofieldguide.com/articles/
volkswagen-goes-common—but-with-a-difference).
But the folks at Wolfsburg have decided that having a car
with a slippery shape—it has a coefficient of drag of 0.258,
and thanks to a frontal area of just 1.72 m, a CdA of
0.44—would be something that could go fast, not frugally.
Back in 2012, Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group,
bought motorcycle manufacturer Ducatti.
Ducatti produces a bike named the 1199 Superleggera,
which is said to be the world's most-powerful two-
cylinder motorcycle. The "1199" in the name of the bike
refers to the displacement of the double-overhead cam
engine in cubic centimeters. The engine has a bore/stroke
ration of 112 mm/60.8 mm. It has titanium connecting
rods, and uses a magnesium alloy for parts including
the cylinder head and oil pan covers. There are two fuel
injectors per cylinder. It can rev up to 11,000 rpm.
There is a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
q The Volkswagen XL Sport concept. It has a 0.258 Cd.