Is The Volkswagen LX1 The Model For Efficient Cars Of The Future? #DreamCars

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Is The Volkswagen LX1 The Model For Efficient Cars Of The Future?

Innovative car manufacturers develop both concept cars and prototype cars as a prelude to what will actually be on the road. Always a leader in anticipating and planning for the car of the future, Volkswagen took its LX1 diesel hybrid concept car announced in 2002 and brought it the prototype stage. Now the LX1 is ready to join the family of new Volkswagen cars for European release, and many think it's the model for efficient cars of the future.

Fuel Efficiency - What's different about the LX1? Virtually everything but the Volkswagen name. A two-seater car with futuristic lines, the LX1 offers a maximum fuel efficiency of 261 miles per gallon. In a world where only a handful of cars can claim over 50 mpg, the LX1 takes fuel economy to a whole new level. Proclaimed as a 1 liter car, which means the amount of fuel needed to travel 100 km, the LX1 offers closer to .9 liters to go 100 kilometers, which is how VW comes up with the 261 mpg figure. Operating on electricity as well as diesel fuel, the car can travel about 22 miles on electric power alone.

Lightweight, Aerodynamic Design - The high mileage is only possible because of the weight and shape of the car. The carbon fiber body and the futuristic, aerodynamically optimized cigar shape, and features such as fender skirts, result in a curb weight of less than 1,800 pounds and a drag coefficient of 0.189. Earlier versions of the vehicle weighed less, but mandated safety equipment, along with comfort and convenience features that drivers' desire, doubles the weight. Though the car looks like a futuristic sports car, the vehicle has a top speed of 99 mph (50 mph for the electric mode) and takes 11.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60.

Unique Features - In terms of design, the two-seater car lacks a rear window, but features a pair of rear vision cameras to gauge traffic. The doors are scissors style, which open up rather than out. After several reconfigurations, the passenger in this two-seater car sits beside the driver, but the seat is staggered for weight distribution.

Target Audience - The production version of the LX1 is intended to take its place on the European highway alongside SUVs, sedans, and mini cars. With manual steering, competent brakes, and very low emissions of only 21 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, the car is intended to be a "daily driver," ideal for driving a person and a colleague to work.

LX1 Among New Volkswagen Cars In Production

During its prototype days, there was hope that the LX1 would retail for around $50,000. After the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, VW started registering interested customers for a vehicle priced at $146,000. More than 200 potential buyers registered for the 200 available units that will be produced for retail customers, so a draft will be held to select the customers who have an option to actually buy a car. At that time, they will be offered a purchase contract but only after they pay a down payment of about $27,000.

Though the LX1 is not currently available in the U.S., the car will go on tour to gauge the reactions of U.S. consumers. Given Volkswagen's track record of channeling innovative technology in the cars that do come to market, expect to possibly see some performance and stylistic features of the LX1 to show up in another car the company does sell in the U.S.