VW XL1 Prototype

It's hard to believe that a 235-miles-per-gallon car is actually getting close to production, and might be available in limited numbers starting next year. Although its exact release date is unknown, Volkswagen's XL1 is currently undergoing warm-weather testing, and these spy shots tell the tale.

This is one unusual car. From the front perspective, it seems like we could also be looking at its back. The good news is, many of the weird/cool features of the concept car have made it into this prototype. Under that hood will be a 27hp electric motor alongside a two-cylinder diesel engine. That hybrid power plant will be hooked up to a seven-speed transmission, hopefully resulting in those unheard-of mileage numbers.

Check out those rear wheels, which are closer together than the front ones. This is all done in the name of aerodynamics, along with special full rear wheel covers and cameras instead of side mirrors. Volkswagen says its wind-cheating design results in a drag coefficient of 0.186, certainly contributing to its alleged 235mpg efficiency.

I thought gullwing doors were only used on concept cars and DeLoreans. Who knows, maybe they'll make it into the final production model of the Volkswagen XL1. My question: If it's possible to build a 235mpg car, what's taken so long to build a similar car with even a fraction of this fuel efficiency?
[via Autoblog]