Here's an excerpt from the article....
There's no power assist, and this system, with its great centering, as you're so directly connected to the narrow 115/80R16 front tires (145/55R16 in back), reminds us what we're missing in bigger and heavier new vehicles. On the other hand, bumps ping through the carbon-fiber (plus some aluminum) structure, exposing the lack of noise insulation, and the structure doesn't feel rigid in the way that we've become used to in today's new cars.
When we get to the soundtrack, the vintage-sportscar comparisons do fall apart. Maybe cross it with just a bit of the aural personality of a perfectly-running Trabant. Whichever reference comes to mind—maybe a motorcycle engine running at limited revs, maybe an emergency generator—the 0.8-liter diesel twin has an unusual character in a car.
That engine—think a 1.6-liter TDI lopped in half and you really won't be far off—produces 48 horsepower; and packaged with it is a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Also, there's a 27-hp electric motor system sandwiched in there—fed by a 5.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. With a full charge, the XL1 can go 31 miles, while the powertrain altogether produces 68 hp and 103 lb-ft in its 'boosting mode.'
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/108 ... 61-mpg-car
Here's a pic of the concept. What do you think? Is the possibility of getting triple digit gas mileage enough to make you look twice a this?
Why are people still building hybrids this way. Train engineers (not that kind) learned a long time ago to use diesel engines to charge batteries for the electric motors. Tying the diesel engine to the wheels just decreases efficiency.
, plus they made instantaneous lane changes when passed by a big truck. But they got good gas mileage, were well made, cheap to keep, and were downright fun. I went camping in a Westfalia version of that microbus once and had a blast. I'd love to have one now.
