Bike power for VOLKSWAGEN XL1 Sport concept

VOLKSWAGEN REVEALED A high-performance Ducati-engined version of the XL1 in Paris.The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive XL Sport concept, which is the 200 millionth car produced by Volkswagen, is powered by an engine derived from that found in the VW Group-owned Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s 1199 Panigale Superleggera superbike. It is the world’s most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle engine.

Installed in the XL Sport, it produces just 99lb ft but makes 197bhp and revs to 11,000rpm.This engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, launches the XL Sport from 0-62mph in 5.7sec and on to a top speed claimed to be in excess of 167mph.

The car bears a close resemblance to the super-frugal XL1, but some major design aspects have been developed from scratch, including aerodynamic tweaks such as special air curtains, wheel arch air outlets, an optimised underbody, a diffuser that reduces aerodynamic lift and adaptive exhaust heat vents integrated into the rear hatch to conduct away excess engine heat. The air supply for cooling the Ducati engine is via vents in the rear wings.

The XL Sport weighs 890kg and has a drag coefficient of 0.258. VW claims it is the fastest car in the world for its power output.The concept is slightly longer and wider than the XL1, with a length of 4291mm, a width of 1847mm and a height of 1152mm. It has a longer wheelbase than the XL1 at 2424mm, significantly wider wings and larger wheels.The XL Sport also features  an extendable rear spoiler  which is powered by the same apparatus as that used in the Lamborghini Aventador.

The Paris show concept has a carbonfibre tub like that used by the XL1, with aluminium crash structures and steel spaceframes at either end to hold the suspension. The suspension itself consists of a double wishbone front axle with the dampers connected below in a pullrod configuration, and a double wishbone rear axle with the dampers connected above in a pushrod configuration.