Is a 285 MPG Car for Real?

A little quick math on a metric conversion calculator shows 285 mpg translates to 1-liter per 100 kilometers. Thus, aptly named, is Volkswagens concept vehicle the "1-Liter Car".

Journalists in Europe recently had the chance to test drive this little phenom, and were duly impressed. Andrew English of The Telegraph put it succinctly by stating, "The car consumed less fuel than I have: my two pints of beer the night before, versus the cars third of a pint over the entire 10-mile test route."

After recovering from my audible guffaw, I read on to what he and Volkswagen had to say, learning more than just a few technical tidbits. Ultimately, this car is not on sale, if it was, youd be looking at around 3 million euros, or nearly $3.36 million. Anyone interested?

While difficult to justify the fuel savings, they

While Volkswagen named their fuel efficient concept the 1-Liter Car for obvious reasons, it quickly took on the name of Cigar Car due to its outward appearance. (Photo: Volkswagen)

The concept cars development was spurned on by a 3-liter car, launched in 1999, that has since sold more than 22,000 units in Europe. Taking on the challenge, the research and development team succeeded three years later by bringing this rather aeronautical looking tandem two-seater

Although it gets 285 miles per gallon of gas, that probably wont offset the $3.36 million dollar price tag, that is if it even were for sale. (Photo: Volkswagen)

It was first introduced at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg as part of a lineup of eco-friendly cars. Also showcased were the VW Lupo 3L-TDI and Audi A2 TDI cars, which consume only 3-liters of fuel per 100 kilometres (78 mpg), and the fuel cell propulsion system Bora (Jetta brand in North America) Hy-Power.

Volkswagens tiniest study is registered for use on public highways, and the journey from Wolfsburg to Hamburg demonstrates that the 1-Liter Car is technically feasible

The tiny street legal vehicle demonstrates that the 1-Liter Car is technically feasible while offering driving pleasure of a very special kind. (Photo: Volkswagen)

But before being accused of nothing more than stargazing, let us get down to some details. The key objectives in the development were to minimize all driving resistances through lightweight construction and outstanding aerodynamics, and to develop new tires and running gear components, taking ergonomics, current safety standards and familiar

The key objectives in the development of the diminutive diesel were to minimize all driving resistances through lightweight construction and outstanding aerodynamics. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Different drive concept simulations were considered right from the initial concept phase of the 1-Liter Car. The answer showed that diesel was the only real option for the drive system, as only this combustion principle meets the maximum requirements for optimum energy exploitation.

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