Volkswagen’s Ducati-powered XL1 is motoring toward a limited production run. Originally designed as a super efficient commuter car, the Ducati treatment promises to transform the XL1 into a bonafide supercar.
Hans-Jakob Neusser, head of VW research and development, revealed to Autocar that the super XL1 – which could be called the XLR in production form – is well into the development process. Neusser wouldn’t give a timeframe for the project, but the XLR is reportedly being prepped for an unveiling at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
“Yes, we are working on it internally. It is a very special project,” Neusser said.
The XLR is expected to be powered by the 190 horsepower V-twin engine used in the Ducati 1199 Pangile superbike. That kind of power paired with the XL1′s super-light curb weight should provide supercar-like levels of performance. Moreover, the XLR should still return eye-popping economy figures.
Pricing information remains a mystery at this point, but look for the XLR to carry a base MSRP in the $120,000 range.
Photo by Nat Shirley
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