America isn't getting VW's 261 mpg XL1, a tiny, high tech diesel-hybrid, chock full of all sorts of fantastic new technology. While the cost of homologating it for US sale is far too high to justify for VW, we might be getting something even cooler.
Rumor has it that now VeeDub is considering dropping the VW GTI's 2.0L turbo-I4 (or possibly a turbo I3) in the XL1's body to make a sporty XR1. While 220 horsepower isn't that much, in a vehicle as light as the XL1 and with as little drag, it would be enough to match the performance of the new Porsche 911, while still returning 50-70 miles per gallon, and costing "half the money" of said Porsche.
We'd be all over a $42,150 two seater that nets up to 70 mpg, does the 0-60 sprint in 4.5 seconds, and weighs in at only 1,975 lbs. That sounds more or less perfect.
Related: Volkswagen Lifts Veil Off 261 MPH Hybrid XL1
Related: The 25 Coolest Cars of the Geneva Motor Show
[via Automobile]
