Credit: Volkswagen/ Green Car Reports
Some extraordinary numbers associated with this vehicle (cD 0.189). Don't expect the fuel consumption figure to be equalled in tests under EPA guidelines. 261 mpg will be flat, level road, no traffic, constant speed, not greater than 50 mph (80 kph). And the gallons will be UK, not US. 261 mpg (UK) = 217.3 mpg (US).
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1082463_261-mpg-volkswagen-xl1-production-confirmed-debuts-geneva#100419651
Check this Wikipedia entry for tips on reducing the coefficient of aerodynamic drag (cD) of your existing vehicle. Mainly obvious stuff, but possibly worth a look.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_drag_coefficient / cigar-shaped cigar shaped ultra economical vehicle ultra-eco production car plug in plug-in diesel hybrid aerodynamic benefits reducing weight improving aerodynamics small body two people streamlined body cd drag coefficient of only 0.189 Low weight 1,752 lbs small engine electric motor respectable performance construction constructed carbon fiber aluminium aluminum titanium test tested under EPA guidelines less fuel than any vehicle currently on sale diesel engine 0.8 liters 800 cc cm3 2 cylinders capacity produces 47 horsepower with a further 27 horses delivered by the electric motor power wheels 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox Those figures sound miniscule by modern standards, but the XL1 should reach 62 mph in 12.7 seconds. Top speed is 98 mph EV small battery 31 miles of range charged via plug or regenerative braking effect cost $100,000 Holger Boch, XL1 project leader, says "It's clearly going to cost a lot more than a Golf - it's made of carbonfibre and has two engines. The people who buy it will be people who like technology and who like being seen in a low-CO2 car drivetrain VW Up city car Whether either of these will ever reach the U.S. is unclear, though Volkswagen will reveal more details at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show /
