Volkswagen XL Sport = VW R8?

Just over one year ago, we reported on rumors that Volkswagen was pairing with its then-new corporate cousin, Italian motorcycle maker Ducati, to build a high-performance version of the XL1, a vehicle that we (actually, I) said would be a "firecracker," thanks to its super-low curb weight, slippery aerodynamics and alleged 190-horsepower engine. Now, only slightly late for its rumored Geneva Motor Show debut, VW is trotting out the so-called XL Sport to the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Total output has jumped to 197 horsepower, thanks to the presence of a Ducati 1199 Superleggera V-twin, which has been mated up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In addition to screaming its way to 11,000 rpm, the two-cylinder engine will help the XL Sport zip to 62 miles per hour in a brisk 5.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 168 miles per hour.

That's a lofty speed for a 200-horsepower vehicle, and it wouldn't be possible without VW's obsessive streamlining of the XL Sport's body. Featuring a 0.258 coefficient of drag, it's not as efficient as the standard XL1's 0.189, thanks to the presence of wider tires, increased downforce and additional cooling ducts. Still, the XL is sleek enough for VW to claim the title of most aerodynamic sports car.

A pushrod rear suspension and forged magnesium wheels are just a few of the race-minded items underpinning the XL Sport, indicating that on top of being a quick little scamp, it should prove a capable dancer.

While Volkswagen is planning on building 250 XL1s, at this point there's no indication that the XL Sport will be sold to the public. We're guessing that question could depend on the public's reaction to the unique sportster when it makes its debut in the coming days at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

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grandtheftbike said:

doesn't look like a VW at all. they need to just go ahead and bring the scirocco to the states

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dankenstien88 said:

I'm curious as to why they would give such an extreme styled car a mere 190hp and what the price point would be if they were to release it. The interior looks spartan as hell.

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RFX45 said:

If they can make it handle like the FRS (or close to it), then the 200hp becomes very competitive in the market.

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dankenstien88 said:

I'm curious as to why they would give such an extreme styled car a mere 190hp and what the price point would be if they were to release it. The interior looks spartan as hell.

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RFX45 said:

dankenstien88 said:

I'm curious as to why they would give such an extreme styled car a mere 190hp and what the price point would be if they were to release it. The interior looks spartan as hell.

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They obviously won't release it looking like that but if they do release it they just need shorten the back, give it regular opening doors and a more normal coupe silhouette and it'll sell well for $25k-$30k? They could also easily bump that power up but with this concept, they are trying to achieve speeds via aerodynamics than power. If they can make it handle like the FRS (or close to it), then the 200hp becomes very competitive in the market.


They are planning on releasing the 250 XL1 and that car is very futuristic looking too, 138mpg Hybrid Diesel Plug-In.
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CelticsPride34 said:

dankenstien88 said:

I'm curious as to why they would give such an extreme styled car a mere 190hp and what the price point would be if they were to release it. The interior looks spartan as hell.

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It has a 2 cylinder that revs to 11k..there is nothing "mere" about that engine...

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