http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/ Engadget Comments for Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013 http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Did someone look at a 1930's World's Fair book of the future to find out what we should be driving in the 21st Century or something?]]>Sep 18th 2009 5:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Sadly, concept cars have to look like they are from tron or people don't think they are interesting. Production cars often can't have that kind of styled panel at low cost. Industrial engineers have to find a way to make the product work on an assembly line, so we won't get the coolest looking cars unless we're willing to pay (Tesla prices) for them.

It's what's under the hood that matters. Mainly weight and battery.]]>Sep 18th 2009 5:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 6:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 7:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 2:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 5:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
But I doubt it'll ever be built. Carbon-fiber bodies are still incredibly expensive. Beyond price, there is practicality and safety to consider. This car has low-viability like a bob-sled.

You'll be sitting a few feet off the ground:
http://jalopnik.com/5362106/vw-l1-is-fun-to-watch-people-get-out-of
In real-world driving conditions this is a problem not only for driver sharing the road with SUVs and semitucks, but also from a visibility standpoint from the other drivers who won't be able to see you driving up next to them- especially if this vehicle is coming up by your blind-spot and you're in an vehicle with a high ride height. Also, with a 36-hp engine, this vehicle will likely get in the way of other vehicles.

In addition to that, at 838 lbs, this vehicle weighs around the weight of a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. In an accent there are some very serious implications to a vehicle this light and this low to the ground. Getting into an accident with a SUV will likely mean the vehicle going over this vehicle. ]]>Sep 18th 2009 7:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 8:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Well, the point I was trying to make was that beyond price there are serious practical problems - like riding around in a 39hp 800-pound vehicle that in lower to ground then your knees.

There have been advancements in CF manufacturing, but not due to VW, but due to CF manufacturers like Toray, Mitsubishi-Rayon, Schunk, etc. They are still largely a labor-intensive and expensive process. VW could build a couple cars as a PR move, but it won't be anything more then a novelty and still cost more then two decades worth of diesel.]]>Sep 18th 2009 9:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
but thanks for the info, very informative.]]>Sep 18th 2009 2:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 5:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 5:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 6:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 6:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/The car is already smoking during test shots.]]>Sep 18th 2009 6:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 7:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 7:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 8:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 6:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
If your rear TIRE went flat though, I'm sure you can pop the paneling off and swap it.]]>Sep 18th 2009 8:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 6:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/they should make new rules about mileage that also includes the amount of Watts the car uses. that way people can't say all-electric vehicles are "zero-emission". ]]>Sep 18th 2009 6:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
also, finally, someone thought of making a hybrid with a diesel motor.. most 4 cylinder diesel motors on their own already get the same fuel efficiency as a regular hybrid]]>Sep 18th 2009 8:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 3:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
No regular person needs a Humvee, or a Durango, or some ridiculous car which anounces a man's inadequacy and its automotive symbolic compensation.

The problem here is that Americans won't accept a diesel.]]>Sep 18th 2009 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Excuse me while I have a good laugh at your expense...
]]>Sep 25th 2009 5:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
http://www.netcarshow.com/citroen/1972-sm/800x600/wallpaper_02.htm

Especially the way they have the rear wheels enclosed.]]>Sep 18th 2009 9:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
But with a car so focused on weight I wonder how the MPG varies depending on who drives it.]]>Sep 18th 2009 9:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/frankfurt_auto_show_2009/1106/Volkswagen-L1-Concept;_ylt=Aq.bms8WYiiRCoI7Qb3Y15WCfNdF]]>Sep 18th 2009 9:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 9:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
The measurements are about same as 1 man tent.

Need just to readjust seats, and add some padding.]]>Sep 18th 2009 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 9:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 9:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 9:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
2) Way to keep perpetuating those tired 2012 memes, Engadget.]]>Sep 18th 2009 10:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Happy motoring = fail.]]>Sep 18th 2009 10:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 10:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/5977969/VWs-300mpg-supercar-takes-shape.html]]>Sep 18th 2009 11:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 11:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 18th 2009 2:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 19th 2009 4:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
Just look at the first-generation Honda Insight-- It was also a high-MPG 2-seater, and it sold miserably compared to the Toyota Prius.

Any wonder why Honda redesigned the Hindsight (LOL) into a 5-seater for its 2010 re-launch?

The Prius will still beat the crap out of that VW L1 if they try to sell it here.]]>Sep 19th 2009 1:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 19th 2009 12:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 20th 2009 1:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/Sep 21st 2009 5:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/
http://www.vwsale.co.uk]]>Oct 15th 2009 7:27AM