VW Beetle to get 261 MPG

[Bacchus]

Volkswagen reveals the XL1, a 261-mpg Beetle for the 22nd century

To build the XL1, Volkswagen also had to use engineering extremes usually not found outside a racetrack. The body of the XL1 will be made from carbon fiber, although using a process VW claims will be far cheaper than those applied by supercar builders such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. The XL1 will be assembled by hand in a special section of VW's Osnabrueck factory in Germany. And to ensure the safety of the passengers in case the XL1 rolls over, the scissor doors can be blasted open with explosive bolts.

But that efficiency comes with a few sacrifices, with speed first among them. Together, the electric motor and engine produce 68 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. VW says that's enough to launch the XL1 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds — although it suggests not doing so. Top speed is limited to 99 mph. And the two seat interior of the XL1 has to look stylish, because there's nothing behind the seats; the XL1 will offer a limited amount of space under the hood. To save weight further, only a cutout of the windows roll down, like the old Subaru SVX.

For the full article: http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoram...152756434.html

[broncocalijohn]

So I have to wait 87 years for this? Well, if they allow 130 year olds on the road, I will buy one.

[Irish Stout]

Originally Posted by broncocalijohn

So I have to wait 87 years for this? Well, if they allow 130 year olds on the road, I will buy one.

Thats about how half the stories on Yahoo! are written. Terrible writers, poorly written articles.

Here is the press release which is a lot cleaner:

http://www.marketwire.com/press-rele...ar-1759853.htm

[Irish Stout]

Heard a story on NPR recently about how most of the nations roads are paid for by gas taxes and that with better efficiency vehicles the tax revenue for roads drops significantly. So with cars like this coming out and with more and more domestic models getting closer to that constant 40mpg mark, I can see more toll roads popping up.

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by Irish Stout

Thats about how half the stories on Yahoo! are written. Terrible writers, poorly written articles.

Here is the press release which is a lot cleaner:

http://www.marketwire.com/press-rele...ar-1759853.htm

Yes, it was much better.

[Rother8]

Hilarious that all the homeade 100mpg + car examples out there and I need to wait 100 years for this. Hell, Neil Young could get 261 sooner than that.
http://shenews.projo.com/2009/04/neil-young.html

[Beantown Bronco]

Originally Posted by Irish Stout

Heard a story on NPR recently about how most of the nations roads are paid for by gas taxes and that with better efficiency vehicles the tax revenue for roads drops significantly. So with cars like this coming out and with more and more domestic models getting closer to that constant 40mpg mark, I can see more toll roads popping up.

It's all a lie. The rates they keep increasing the gas taxes far outweigh any supposed mileage increases in vehicles.

What's funny is the fact that they keep telling us that cars are getting more fuel efficient, but the reality for most is that cars are getting LESS efficient than they were in the past because they keep making them larger and larger with each new redesign.

[Agamemnon]

This is so dumb. By the time the 22nd century rolls around the technology they are using in this car will be laughably archaic.

[alkemical]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlueMotion

[broncocalijohn]

Originally Posted by Irish Stout

Heard a story on NPR recently about how most of the nations roads are paid for by gas taxes and that with better efficiency vehicles the tax revenue for roads drops significantly. So with cars like this coming out and with more and more domestic models getting closer to that constant 40mpg mark, I can see more toll roads popping up.

California will always find a way to get their money or scare people out of the state.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Originally Posted by broncocalijohn

So I have to wait 87 years for this? Well, if they allow 130 year olds on the road, I will buy one.

Who knows... by then there might be technology to keep you alive at 130... and boner medication to keep it up, and hair medication to keep a full head of hair....

It will be like you're 80 all over again.

[Lestat]

Originally Posted by Irish Stout

Heard a story on NPR recently about how most of the nations roads are paid for by gas taxes and that with better efficiency vehicles the tax revenue for roads drops significantly. So with cars like this coming out and with more and more domestic models getting closer to that constant 40mpg mark, I can see more toll roads popping up.

this will happen regardless of fuel saving automobiles.
it's either that or a ton of recharging stations will pop up and the prices for them will rocket up.

[Bacchus]

Ok, flying car would blow the Beetle out of the water.

[Mountain Bronco]

That nice, a car that is basically not functional or practical.

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by Mountain Bronco

That nice, a car that is basically not functional or practical.

Well, if it takes you fromone place to another it is functional.