Think of you driving a vehicle to your destination on cool and fresh day, no smoke and dust and no global warming temperatures everything just perfect to help you and your body. While doing this you are saving your mother nature and most important is you are saving your own money while doing this. This is perfect future what we are dreaming of. It is far away from now, but yes, it’s on horizon and we are closing in towards it. At-least Germans are showing us that picture and promising us to take us there in their Volkswagen XL1 concept and Audi A3 e-tron concept at the 11th Auto Expo in Delhi.
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Volkswagen XL1 (Diesel-Electric Hybrid)
Launched in 2011 Qatar Motor show, the XL1 is diesel plug in hybrid from the house of Volkswagen, Germany. Let’s see what it is made up of. The Monocoque body is made up of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) to achieve highest strength with lowest weight. Aerodynamic design to reduce drag coefficient to minimum is what drives overall form and design of the XL1. Covered rear wheels to avoid air stream disturbance, small opening of glass in window, hidden door handles and on top of all use of cameras instead of rear view mirrors are all outcome of great German minds at Wolfsburg. It looks striking when viewed from front with sharp LED head lamps. The rear looks quite unconventional as we are not used to such form, but it manages to look good from rear too. Overall dimensions of XL1 stand close to Volkswagen Polo. It uses only 23% steel and aluminum components just to enhance safety and it weighs 184 kg out of total vehicle weight of 795 kg.
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Under the hood there is 0.8 liter TDI (tubo diesel) producing 48 PS with help of DSG gearbox. On the electrical side, 28 PS motor is fitted. With this its range is said to be 540kms when refilled full. Speed is limited to 158km/h and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 11.9 sec. Highlight about XL1 is that it can take you past 100km distance in just 1 liter of diesel.
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Audi A3 e-tron (Petrol-Electric Hybrid)
Designed as a plug-in hybrid, the Audi A3 e-tron concept is also showcased at Delhi AutoExpo in the stands of Audi, alongside of Q3, S6 and Q7 V12. A3 e tron is absolute treat to our eyes. It is a full size, feature rich sedan which looks like it is production ready. Improved and innovative LED technology is what makes it at headlights and taillights. Front grill is Audi’s iconic hexagonal in shape. A3 is made of combination of metals and CFRP.
It has a 211hp 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine with award winning technology. An electric motor is provided with an output of 27 hp. Working together, the TFSI engine and electric motor accelerate the notchback to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, then top speed of 231 km/h. A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery system – technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – all contribute to this high efficiency.
To power the electric motors, Audi A3 e-tron concept has the lithium-ion batteries located behind the rear seats. They give the notchback a range of up to 54 km (34 miles) on electric power alone.
This is small summary of green vehicles which are spotted at AutoExpo from Volkswagen group. Details will come up as concepts turn into reality. Some say both will make it on the road in next 2-3 years. Untill then just wait and watch.
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