Currently reading: Ducati-engined VW XL1 under consideration
187bhp Volkwagen XL Sport to offer lightweight, powerful racing with a possible entry into motorsport

A Ducati-engined version of the Volkswagen XL1 has been revealed. VW board chairman Ferdinand Piëch revealed that the eco car could be fitted with the high-performance engine from the Ducati Panigale superbike, creating a high-performance track or race car.

It has been reported that the XL Sport will be powered by a 1200cc engine which develops 187bhp at 10,750rpm and 91lb ft of torque at 9000rpm. It will be mated to a twin-clutch transmission.

Piëch revealed the XL Sport will be lighter than the 795kg XL1. The limited-run road car uses a two-cylinder, 800cc turbodiesel engine plus electric motors to produce 67bhp in total. The XL Sport is also expected to lose the closed-rear wheel design of the standard car.

Last year, Audi purchased the iconic motorcycle manufacturer. It was understood to be a personal ambition of Piëch. 

Piëch revealed plans for the car during a lecture at the Vienna University of Technology, where he is an honorary professor.

The car is expected to be used as part of Volkswagen's motorsport activities in the future, and may also form part of a limited production run for customers.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

VW's new 313mpg hybrid points the way to making cars cheaper to use, even if this limited run model feels more like a proof of concept than an early look at the future

Join the debate

Comments
6
Add a comment…
Turismo 30 September 2013

No it would look the same and

No it would look the same and be even better.

Bullfinch 30 September 2013

Er....

"If it does away with the electric drive-train...If it looses the battery pack plus the electric motor. It could become...."

...just a sillee-lookee-likee and really not much at all to do with the original concept of the XL1.

Einarbb 29 September 2013

If it does away with the electric drive-train?

If it looses the battery pack plus the electric motor. It could become seriously fast. Say weighting something like 600kg with that 187hp. Ducati engine + twin-clutch automatic.