VW's most fuel-efficient production car of all time fitted with ducati motorcycle engine

VW’s most fuel-efficient production car of all time fitted with a ducati motorcycle engine
all images courtesy of volkswagen group

ahead of the paris motor show, volkswagen revisited the design of most fuel-efficient production car of all time, the XL1, by fitting it with the world’s most powerful two-cylinder engine – a ducati superleggera V-twin power unit.  the premiere of the ‘XL sport’ pairs a completely new chassis based on motorsports-derived parts and a high-tech engine built with titanium connecting rods, and magnesium-alloy components to create a 197 hp machine capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

the V-twin engine adapted from the latest ducati 1199 superleggera superbike utilizes hand fabrication and high-precision industrial manufacturing to create a unique sports car. the XL sport’s arrow-like silhouette helps achieve a drag coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.258 and a record breaking power-to-weight ratio thanks to special vanes that direct the air at the front into specific channels, re-developed wheelarch vents, an optimized underbody, lift-reducing air ducts in the hood, and an extendable rear spoiler. 

sharing the same design blueprint as its sister model, the XL sport is longer and wider than before. like the XL1, the central monocoque and most of the body panels are manufactured in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using a RTM (resin transfer molding) process. in addition, the completely re-designed chassis incorporates high-strength steel sub-frames which house upper and lower control arms at the front with pullrod and pushrod actuation for the dampers—similar to the layout for a racing car.

reminiscent of a high-end sports car, the wing doors are hinged at two points: low on the A-pillars and just above the windshield in the roof frame, so they swivel upwards and slightly forwards as well. the doors also extend far into the roof, giving a large amount of entry and exit space. in order to keep the weight as low as possible, the windows are made from polycarbonate and are fixed in place – just a segment of the lower area of the side windows can be opened.

the broad front section is marked out by dual LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. the XL sport features air intakes on either side of the headlights for the vanes which feed the air around the car’s front end. from above, the shape is that of a classic racing car, with a waisted cockpit area. the rear hatch that merges into the roofline conceals the ducati engine, the seven-speed DSG transmission and 3.8 cubic feet of luggage space.

the interior of the is based on the XL1, but has been modified and individualized to conform with the change in the vehicle’s overall design. for example, the XL sport boasts a digital instrument cluster that includes a lap timer and oil pressure display. a carbon-fiber wrap extends across the top of the instrument cluster to completely eliminate reflections. the steering wheel has been equipped with aluminum-alloy shift paddles to facilitate quick gear shifts and incorporates anodized aluminum accents around the air vents, the climate control fascia and the DSG shift gate to contrast the red stitching used throughout the cabin.