Hybrid would be world's most efficient

Volkswagen has confirmed they will soon put the 0.9 L/100 km (261-mpg US) XL1 concept into limited production, making it the world's most fuel-efficient production car.

The two-seater Super Efficient Vehicle, to be basically handbuilt in the automaker's Osnabrueck factory in Germany, runs on an 800cc 47-horsepower two-cylinder and a 27-horsepower electric motor.

It has an all-electric range of 50 km (31 miles) and, thanks to its 795-kg (1,752-lb) curb weight and superb aerodynamics, unmatched fuel efficiency numbers better than anything else on the market today.

The carbon-fibre-panelled car has an electronically limited top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and a zero-to-100 km/h time of 12.7 seconds.

The XL1 is rumoured to start at up to $100,000, and will be produced only in left-hand drive versions, though it's not necessarily destined for sale in the North American market.

(Volkswagen and TTAC)