Showing a high-mileage prototype in oil country? That takes some brass ones, Volkswagen. The company went to Qatar to reveal the XL1. VW says the diesel hybrid can travel more than 260 miles on a gallon of UAE tea.
Motivation to a top speed of 100 mph comes from a two-cylinder, 47 hp turbodiesel displacing 800 cc and a 27 hp electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. When home-charged, the 1,753-lb, carbon-fiber concept can do 22 miles solely on e-power. Does this mean VW's production diesel hybrid powertrain is close to prime time?