(October 2, 2014) PARIS — There has never been a sports car like the XL Sport concept that is being shown for the first time by Volkswagen at the Paris Motor Show. This is a car that uncompromisingly furthers the development of the lightweight sports car. Based on the XL1, the most fuel-efficient production car of all time at 238 mpg, this 168-mph machine is a compelling blend of efficiency and emotion.

The XL Sport houses one of the finest achievements in engine technology — the V-Twin adapted from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, the world's most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle. Like the XL1, of which only 250 will be built, the Superleggera is also being manufactured in a limited edition of 500 units, using a process that embraces hand fabrication and high-precision industrial manufacturing.

The XL1 and the Superleggera, two icons of lightweight carbon and magnesium design technology, thus unite to create a unique sports car. With the XL Sport, Volkswagen and Ducati impressively demonstrate how high-tech developments can lead to synergies between Volkswagen Group brands.

The Ducati 1199 Superleggera has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. In the car world, the XL Sport achieves a similar record — the best ratio between weight (1,962 pounds), power (197 hp) and aerodynamics. It’s a combination that allows the car to reach an impressive top speed of 168 mph.



The vehicle's aerodynamics are one key reason the car performs so well. The coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.258 and the low frontal area of 1.7 sq m combine to give a CdA of 0.44 sq m, one of the best values ever achieved and a major triumph for Volkswagen's aerodynamicists and designers. The achievement is made all the more impressive due to the fact that the concept's performance-car design brief demanded wide tires, apertures for cooling air, and optimal downforce.

There are a number of individual features that contribute to the XL Sport's arrow-like performance, in addition to the uncompromising styling. These include special vanes that direct the air at the front into specific channels, wheelarch vents, an optimized underbody, lift-reducing air ducts in the hood, an extendable rear spoiler (powered by the same unit as in the Lamborghini Aventador), and adaptive air vents incorporated in the rear hatch.

The world's most powerful two-cylinder engine. The Ducati 1199 Superleggera's V-Twin engine was slightly modified for use in the XL Sport, but is basically the same as the motorcycle’s. Thanks to its tough, lightweight titanium connecting rods, the 1199 cc double-overhead-camshaft engine can rev up to 11,000 rpm. The Superquadro's high speeds are made possible by its extreme bore/stroke ratio of 112 mm by 60.8 mm and the exceptionally short crankshaft stroke associated with it.

In addition, the two four-valve cylinders, which are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to each other, feature desmodromic valve control (positive valve closure) that is typical of the high-revving Ducati engines and requires the finest of precision engineering to ensure optimum valve clearance. Other features of the world's most powerful two-cylinder engine are the use of magnesium-alloy for the clutch, cylinder head, and oil pan covers, the two throttle valve discs, and the two fuel injectors per cylinder.

Last but by no means least, the XL Sport has a newly developed step-down transmission to reduce engine speeds by a factor of 1.86. Torque from the V-Twin engine (99 pound-feet) is transmitted to the rear axle via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a standing start, the XL Sport takes 5.7 seconds to reach 62 mph.

The significantly redesigned chassis, high-revving engine, and aerodynamic performance firmly plant the XL Sport in the racing realm. The chassis incorporates high-strength steel subframes which house upper and lower control arms at the front with pullrod actuation for the dampers, while the control arms at the back have pushrods—similar to the layout for a racing car. The forged magnesium-alloy wheels, which save 53 pounds compared to aluminum-alloy rims, are fitted with 205/40 R18 front and 265/35 R18 rear high-performance tires. The XL Sport has a powerful ceramic brake disc setup.