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Volkswagen is determined to bring this 189mpg hybrid two-seater to showrooms by 2013.

The L1 concept has a drag coefficient of just 0.195 and is powered by an 800cc two-stroke diesel, coupled to an electric motor. It emits just 39g/km of CO2.

VW's electric car unveiled

The powerplant develops up to 29bhp in ‘sport’ mode, along with 74lb ft of torque at 1900rpm. The car’s top speed is 99...Read the full article

my respect for VW will increase enormously if they can get this into production, but its hard to see how they could at any reasonable cost. A unique structure in carbon fibre, a 2 stroke diesel engine not shared with anything else they make, the whole hybrid set up, all adds up to a serious high price.

They would be better off doing a 100 bhp 1 litre petrol version and selling it as a Lamborghini or Bugatti at a price that goes with those names. ( But given their badge engineering maybe those cars are yet to come!)

artill:

a 2 stroke diesel engine not shared with anything else they make

You're right, it does sound expensive. Which means that they may have plans for larger versions of this engine. As for the reinforced plastic, the carbon fibre content may be minimal - more of a 'headline statement'.

Autocar:

is powered by an 800cc two-stroke diesel,

- 'two stroke'? Are you sure Autocar? This engine I believe is merely half, a 2 cyl. version, of the new VW Group 1.6 litre common rail diesel. Dear Lord, spare us from scribblers - a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.