When you have a large group of companies under your wing, it only matter of time before the explosive experiments begin. It seems now Volkswagen is working on one such fire cracker called the XL-1 sport. It is based on the XL-1 small car which has taken the world by storm thanks to its efficient design and hybrid diesel mill. The car was revealed to a gathering at Vienna University by Ferdinand Piech, Chairman of the VW group.
The standard car speaks subtly of efficiency, the XL-1 Sport screams performance and will be powered by a 1.2-litre Ducati sourced engine, making it a potential track day cruise missile. The engine, sourced from the 1199 Panigale, is a V-twin that produces 191PS and 1234Nm of torque. The standard car made mostly of carbon fibre weighs 795kgs and this includes the presence of the electric motor. The XL-1 Sport ditches the electric motor so it should potentially weighs even lesser giving it a high power to weight ratio.
It also gets sporty design which seems to include a body kit, special alloy wheels and some racing decals. We expect racing seats and more carbon fibre for the interiors too. The XL-1 is likely to go into production next year but this just a concept vehicle and maybe ready in time for next year’s Worthersee festival.
If the vehicle goes into production, it will be a worthy rival for the host of small British trackday cars like the BAC Mono, Caterham 7 and the Ariel Atom.
