Looking more like something out of the Jetsons than a hybrid auto, Volkswagen is set to debut the XL1 at the Geneva Auto Show next month. This featherweight two-seater boasts an extraordinarily slippery drag coefficient of .19 paired with a low center of gravity which clicks off 0 to 60 times of 12.1 seconds. 12.1 seconds? Despite this lethargic acceleration, VW was more interested in a different kind of performance. They might refer to it as “avoiding the gas pump” performance as the XL1 gets over 260 mpg thanks to a combination of a 47 hp diesel engine and 27 hp electric motor. While acceleration is not its strong point, this hybrid can cruise at 62 mph using just 8.3 hp and reaches 99 mph. All in all, the sleek styling and unsurpassed mileage make for a fun to drive hybrid. Looks like Toyota better get back to the drawing board.
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Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
