The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV is unveiled during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Volkswagen to produce two-seat plug-in hybrid

Published: 08:43:58 PM, Thu 21 February 2013 UTC

NEW YORK (AP) — Volkswagen said Thursday that it will produce a new two-seat plug-in hybrid vehicle that it claims will be the most fuel-efficient production vehicle in the world.

The XL1 combines a light-weight design with a plug-in hybrid system that includes a 47-horsepower, two-cylinder diesel engine, a 27-horsepower electric motor, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery. By European standards, the car will get a combined 261 mpg and will be able to travel up to 32 miles in its all-electric mode, the German automaker said.

The XL1 has a top speed of 99 mph and can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds. Its futuristic design includes enclosed rear wheels and butterfly doors.

The car will be produced in Germany. Volkswagen didn't say how much the vehicle will cost, when it would go on sale or in what markets it will be sold.

Tags: volkswagen, automobile, internal combustion engine, car, plug-in hybrid, business, new york, electric car, electric vehicle, mph, german automaker, lithium-ion battery, all-electric mode, battery electric vehicle, dual-clutch automatic transmission, hybrid vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, fuel-efficient production vehicle, two-cylinder diesel engine, 27-horsepower electric motor, light-weight design, rear wheels, european standards, butterfly doors, futuristic design, xl1

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