The VW 1-litre car, also known as the 1L, is a two-person concept car designed to travel 100 km using just 1 litre of fuel (equivalent to 235 miles per US gallon). To achieve such economy, it is made from lightweight materials; the body is streamlined; and the engine and transmission are designed and tuned for economy.

For aerodynamics, the car seats two in tandem, rather than side-by-side. There are no rear view mirrors and it instead uses cameras and electronic displays. The rear wheels are close together to allow a streamlined body. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.159, compared to 0.30 for typical cars.

For light weight, the car uses an unpainted carbon fibre skin over a magnesium subframe. Individual components have been designed for low weight, including engine, transmission, suspension, wheels (carbon fibre), brakes (aluminium), hubs (titanium), bearings (ceramic), interior, and so on. Empty vehicle weight is 290 kg (639 lb).

The engine is a 299 cc (18 cu in) diesel producing just 6.3 kW (8.4 hp). It drives through a six-speed transmission that combines stick-shift mechanics, weight, and drive efficiency with automatic convenience and efficiency controls.

The engine is switched off automatically during deceleration and stops. According to Volkswagen, fuel economy is 0.99 L/100 km (238 mpg US). A 6.5 L (1.7 US gal) tank gives a driving range of 650 km (404 mi). If diesel were $3 a gallon, it would cost a little over $5 to travel 400 miles.

The body and frame are designed with crush zones and roll-over protection, and the tandem seating means large side crush zones, and Volkswagen claims protection comparable to a GT racing car.
There is 80 L (2.8 cu ft) of storage space.
Volkswagen expects to begin limited production by 2010.

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And as soon as my big butt plopped down in that thing the MPG would decrease by approximately 95%. The less power you have, the more the vehicle's fuel economy is affected by weight.

I wonder how much it actually weighs.

About the same as a motorcycle. Approximately 639 pounds.

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hell i would buy one.
It would be nice for a back up car. or to take just to work and back. i wouldn't use it for a primary car but it would be a great spare. spend about $8.00 and drive 400 miles! hell yea!

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Great post. It seems like not much more than a motorcycle.

Every time fuel mileage is raised to a new level the ######## just raise the cost of fuel.

By 2010 oil will be at least $200 a barrel and $10.00 a gal if not more.

What we need is a solar plant building projects through out the country on the same scale or bigger than the dam projects of the 1930's. And plug in electric car's.

The plants are buildable. The cars are in the planning stages.

Ya I have been looking for this car that ran over 150 Mpg at an average of 140 Mph on an oval for 24 hours... I think it was Ferrari that did it but don't remember if it was or not.. I do now it was a diesel engine though.. Anybody finds that car on the web let me know I have been looking for it..

How much? It does say "limited prodution". And does it meet U.S safety standards?

It's a concept vehicle that isn't in production yet.

I read some where it's susposed to be between $15,000 and $20,000.
It is due for US release.

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pretty good looking little car. i like the delorean style doors also. i would think of getting one but definitly would want to drive it first though.