VW XL1 to carry $145,000 price tag?

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen

VW XL1

The best we’ve been able to suss out thus far is that the Volkswagen XL1 will be expensive. Like six-figure, “as much as a nicely detailed Audi A6,” expensive (we’re assuming that Audi bit is European pricing). Given that this is a hand-built, hyper-aerodynamic, plug-in-diesel vehicle – and one that VW will only make 250 of – it’s not at all surprising that it’ll be a ride for the upper class. Thanks to a report in Wirtschafts Woche, we finally have a potential price tag for the 261-mpg car: 111,000 euros, or a little over US $146,000. VW tells Wirtschafts Woche that there should be plenty of demand for the car at that price from collectors and enthusiasts, even though we heard earlier that the car will likely be available for lease only.

The XL1 gets its name from the fact that it uses less than one liter of fuel to go 100 kilometers (using one liter would be equivalent to 235 mpg). Thus far, VW has built 50 of the slippery little things and plans on making another 200 for delivery in the spring of 2014 before ending the project. “The car is more a lighthouse than a business model,” VW’s Ulrich Hackenberg told Wirtschafts Woche (translated). We got to drive the XL1 earlier this year – you can read all about that here.

VW XL1 to carry $145,000 price tag? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW XL1 to carry $145,000 price tag?

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen

VW XL1

The best we’ve been able to suss out thus far is that the Volkswagen XL1 will be expensive. Like six-figure, “as much as a nicely detailed Audi A6,” expensive (we’re assuming that Audi bit is European pricing). Given that this is a hand-built, hyper-aerodynamic, plug-in-diesel vehicle – and one that VW will only make 250 of – it’s not at all surprising that it’ll be a ride for the upper class. Thanks to a report in Wirtschafts Woche, we finally have a potential price tag for the 261-mpg car: 111,000 euros, or a little over US $146,000. VW tells Wirtschafts Woche that there should be plenty of demand for the car at that price from collectors and enthusiasts, even though we heard earlier that the car will likely be available for lease only.

The XL1 gets its name from the fact that it uses less than one liter of fuel to go 100 kilometers (using one liter would be equivalent to 235 mpg). Thus far, VW has built 50 of the slippery little things and plans on making another 200 for delivery in the spring of 2014 before ending the project. “The car is more a lighthouse than a business model,” VW’s Ulrich Hackenberg told Wirtschafts Woche (translated). We got to drive the XL1 earlier this year – you can read all about that here.

VW XL1 to carry $145,000 price tag? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: First 1K next-gen Mustangs to carry 2014 1/2 model year?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, Rumormill

Next-gen Ford Mustang spy shots - profile view, camouflaged

A new report from Mustangs Daily, citing insider sources at Ford, tells us that the Blue Oval will produce 1,000 next-generation Mustangs with the model year designation of 2014 ½, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the storied marque. The commemorative half-year designation is a rumor that’s been swirling in Mustang forums for quite some time now, and seems more plausible than ever with this most recent report. Certainly it’s not far-fetched to believe that Ford will want to make a big deal of the golden anniversary for its most-loved model.

The story (compiled by Drew Phillips, who runs the aforementioned Mustang site when he’s not directing the photography on these pages) goes on to say that the limited-run cars will be the first built on the new Mustang platform internally known as S550 (and spied testing in the attached gallery). Each car is said to carry a “special” VIN and build number, though no performance upgrades versus the 2015 cars to follow are in the works. A collector’s dream then, rather than a weekend racer’s.

First 1K next-gen Mustangs to carry 2014 1/2 model year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jul 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mark Monea’s new Carry On front flip will warp your mind

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Australia, Motorcycle

Mark Monea pulls off the carry on

Mark Monea pulls off the Carry On – Click above to watch video after the jump

We typically file motocross tricks somewhere between complete insanity and diabolical madness in the Dewey Decimal system that rules our minds, but we’re going to need to work up an all-new category for Mark Monea’s new stunt. The Australian has been working on a variation of the motorcycle front flip called the Carry On, and after four weeks of plopping himself bike-and-all into the foam pit, he finally took the trick to terra firma.

While ridiculously-skilled individuals have been pulling off front flips on bikes for the better part of two years now, Monea decided that going topsy-turvy face first was child’s play. So, he added a little bit of spice to the equation by throwing in a 360-degree flat spin in on top of the front flip.

If you’re having trouble wrapping your mind around the mechanics of such a feat, join the club. Fortunately, Monea and his crew were kind enough to record the whole shindig for prosperity and our twisted enjoyment. Hit the jump to check it out.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

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Video: Mark Monea’s new Carry On front flip will warp your mind originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW Megacity is a premium product, will carry premium pricetag

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Electric

BMW Megacity EV

BMW Megacity EV – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the rumors kicking around the interwebs, the upcoming BMW Megacity won’t be bargain basement transportation. Autocar cites an unnamed source as saying that when the city-sized electric car hits dealers, it will carry a premium price tag. That likely means that the Megacity will cost more than the Nissan Leaf EV that it’s designed to compete against.

That’s no real shocker given the Megacity’s complete carbon-fiber passenger cell and unique aluminum chassis. Throw in the extensive research and development that’s gone into the vehicle so far, and it’s not difficult to imagine a lofty price tag for the Megacity when the EV hatch goes on sale as a 2013 model.

There is some indication that as technology and manufacturing costs decrease, BMW will lower the vehicle’s price tag, but that’s not thought to happen until the Megacity has already been on the road for some time. So far, BMW has said official word one about how it plans to price its EV.

Gallery: BMW Megacity Vehicle

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: BMW Megacity is a premium product, will carry premium pricetag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault, Russia

2011 Renault Latitude

2011 Renault Latitude – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, the 2011 Renault Latitude was unveiled at the Moscow International Auto Show. The European version has now made its debut in front of the crowd at the Paris Motor Show. The Latitude is considered a business-class saloon and Renault is positioning it to become the automaker’s flagship vehicle.

The styling of the Renault Latitude somehow evokes images of the Chyrsler Sebring, new Volkswagen Jetta and any Lexus vehicle – yet it’s done in a stylish manner. When it launches in Russia, the Latitude will be available with either a 139-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT or a 2.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic that’s good for 177 hp. The four-cylinder unit is rated at 34 miles per gallon while the V6 gets just under 30 mpg. As the car expands into other markets, it will feature an expanding lineup of engine and gearbox choices.

Inside, the Renault Latitude is all about comfort. The power-adjustable driver’s seat features a massaging function with five pneumatic rollers and four different settings. In order to keep everyone else happy, the Latitude has a climate control system with triple-zone adjustability.

The 2011 Renault Latitude hit dealer showrooms in September 2010, in Morocco and Algeria. It then starts popping up in Russia and the Ukraine before being made available throughout Africa. The European model will follow after that.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Renault Latitude

Paris 2010: Renault LatitudeParis 2010: Renault LatitudeParis 2010: Renault LatitudeParis 2010: Renault LatitudeParis 2010: Renault Latitude

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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