Volkswagen L1 Concept creates a Frankfurt sensation as it apes 1950s Messerschmitt to get 189 m.p.g.
Volkswagen has created a sensation at Frankfurt Auto Show by introducing its L1 Concept. A further development of the original L1 that electrified the automotive world in 2002, the Frankfurt Auto Show car appears to be a giant step closer to production ready.
Check the slide show for images of Volkswagen's L1 and its Messerschmitt ancestor
The L1 is state-of-the-art in terms of aerodynamics (Drag coefficiency rating of .19 when most cars today are around .30). Carbon fiber bodywork brings the weight down to 836 lbs. A 29 horsepower diesel is coupled with a 14 horsepower electric motor to deliver astonishing fuel mileage.
Volkswagen's L1 has basic layout, seating and aero quality of 1955-64 Messerschmitt.
Volkswagen's L1 is an ultralight, aerodynamic two seater with the passenger seated behind the driver in an airplane-like cockpit. Where have we seen this arrangement before? The 1955-64 Messerschmitt micro car had all these elements in an inexpensive vehicle that helped put Germany back on the road after the devastation of WWII. The Messerschmitt achieved 87 m.p.g. which was amazing for its time but less than half of what VW claims for the L1. Volkswagen's challenge is to bring down the cost of the L1's expensive carbon fiber bodywork, but they claim that is achievable and the L1 might soon be produced for sale.
Dr Ferdinand Piech, the chairman of the VW board, drove the original L1 from Wolsburg to Hamburg--a vote of confidence in the L1 from the top. And an interesting contrast with U.S. auto executives--when is the last time you heard of GM's CEO driving an experimental car on a long distance test?
Volkswagen shows its engineering prowess with the latest development of the L1. If the company can bring down the cost of its construction, we just might see a modern successor to the 1950s Messerschmitt, an early pioneer of innovative transportation that remains a beloved cult car some fifty years later.
For more info: See the slide show below and:
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