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Volkswagen's 261-mpg hand-built XL1 headed for Geneva

After years of rumors, development and testing, the Volkswagen XL1 is finally about to become a reality. The project that began life as a daring 1-Liter concept car in 2002, will finally get its production-ready curtain call at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few weeks.
As soon as it hits the streets, the two-seat XL1 will instantly become the most fuel-efficient and most aerodynamic production car in the world. The car uses a plug-in hybrid system to achieve mind-blowing consumption of just 0.9 liters of diesel fuel consumed every 100 kilometers (and average of roughly 261 miles per gallon). Plus, the XL1 can go up to 50 kilometers on its battery power alone. Coefficient of drag is a miniscule 0.189, thanks to a tiny frontal area and an obviously slippery shape.
XL1 power comes from a two-cylinder diesel motor connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the 20 kW electric motor is fed by a lithium-ion battery. Both combine to give the XL1 performance figures that are, while not stirring, not shabby considering its extreme frugality: 0-62 miles per hour comes up in 12.7 seconds and top speed is nearly 146 mph.

Volkswagen Group recalls 281,505 VWs and Audis for fuel leaks

The Basics: Volkswagen Group is recalling 281,505 total Volkswagen and Audi brand products in the United States for potential fuel leaks. Certain versions of the Audi A3, A6, A7, Q5, and Q7 are affected. In addition, some versions of the Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, and Golf GTI fall under the recall. It's unclear if vehicles outside of the United States will be recalled as well. The Problem: There are actually three separate recalls for three separate issues that all pertain to leaky fuel. All three recalls were issued simultaneously. The risk of unintended ignition is the main concern here. First off, 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 models [28,249 cars] are being recalled because of a degrading fuel hose in the engine compartment. Secondly, 143,214 gas-powered 2009-2012 Audi Q5s and 2007-2012 Audi Q7s are being recalled. The fuel cap may crack on these vehicles, leaking fuel. Finally, 110,042 total units of the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan, and A3 Cabriolet will be recalled because of fuel leaking from the evaporative emissions system. Injuries/Deaths: According to Reuters, Volkswagen has reported no injuries or deaths related to the fuel leaks. In addition, the company has said there have been no fires started due to the leaks. The Fix: Three separate issues means three separate fixes. Volkswagen and Audi will be reaching out to customers soon, though the parts aren't yet available. For the A6 and A7, Audi will simply replace the under hood hose. For the Q5 and Q7, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. Finally, the affected Golf and A3 models will have the suction cup in the emissions system replaced. If you own one: Volkswagen and Audi will begin contacting owners starting next month regarding a fix. Related Video: News Source: NHTSA, Reuters Recalls Audi Volkswagen

Volkswagen might cut 40 models across brands to save cash

Volkswagen once set out to pass Toyota and General Motors and become the largest automaker in the world. Following months of fallout from the diesel emissions scandal, the manufacturer is rumored to be dropping around 40 models from its company-wide lineup. According to German business and finance publication Handelsblatt, the Volkswagen Group is looking to slim down and remove a number of low-volume vehicles from various lineups. The company currently sells around 340 models across brands that include Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Volkswagen is refusing to comment, but Handelsblatt claims to have sources within the company. Last week, Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Muller announced a new strategy for the company that includes a major focus on electric vehicles and new technology services. During his announcement, Muller said the company would be cutting a number of models, but at the time no numbers, models, or brands were discussed. Despite comments to the contrary, rumors have persisted since late last year that Volkswagen was looking to sell commercial truck and bus manufacturer MAN. Volkswagen owns truck and bus manufacturer Scania, so even if it dropped MAN, the company would still have a foothold within the bus and truck market. There is also talk of the company selling Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, which Volkswagen acquired via Audi in 2012. The company's image has taken a huge hit in the wake of the diesel scandal. Volkswagen has set aside cash in order to pay fines and may be looking to sell these several subsidiaries and cut low-volume models in order offset the costs. Despite the scandal, the company led worldwide sales in the first quarter of 2016. The same was true in 2015, but sales tanked at the end of the year following the diesel revelations. Related Video: Rumormill Audi Bentley Volkswagen Ducati