Volkswagen XL1 :A 261-MPG Shuttle to the Future

By Ulrich Hackenberg, guest blogger  : May 11, 2011  | 7:00 am  | Categories: Cool Cars, EVs and Hybrids, repost from Wired by The Chicago Toy Store.

Volkswagen kicked off 2011 with the debut of the most fuel-efficient car ever, the XL1, a groundbreaking vehicle that showcases the future of individual mobility.

Powered by an 800cc TDI (common rail injection turbodiesel) engine and a small electric motor, the two-seat Volkswagen XL1 consumes just 0.9 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. That’s the equivalent of 261 mpg. The XL1 is a prototype, so of course you can’t buy one today. But it is an important shuttle to the future.

We need cars like this, and you will be able to buy them in the future. Today they are platforms for new ideas and testbeds for new technologies. They show what is possible.

The world of mobility is experiencing the most intensive upheaval since the first automobile was invented 125 years ago. Around the globe, there is a growing desire to finally free ourselves from the capricious price fluctuations of crude oil — a finite resource whose days are numbered. The desire to move beyond fossil fuels is intensified by a growing environmental awareness. Environmental awareness is not just a catchphrase or a passing trend. It is an integral part of today’s lifestyle. People are looking for solutions, whether they live in Boston, Berlin or Beijing. They want cars that are sustainable, fuel-efficient and affordable.

The auto industry is responding. We are relying on a strategy of downsizing gasoline and diesel engines, applying hybrid technologies and implementing pure electric drives in automobiles. Volkswagen will introduce its first electric vehicle in 2013. Initially, however, these electric cars will not be going it alone. So far, they have not proven to be practical for all driving needs.

Let’s take a look at the future: By 2020, we anticipate a global market share of 2-3 percent for battery electric cars. That’s roughly the market share hybrids have achieved in their first decade.

That leaves at least 97 percent of the market for other power options. To put it another way, between 55 million and 70 million of all cars sold annually between now and 2020 will have engines of various types. Internal combustion engines will remain dominant well into the next decade. That is why automakers are studying — in cars like the XL1 — what is feasible in terms of maximum fuel economy within the realm of conventional engines and hybrid drives. While we continue to examine other options, we are already planning an initial limited production run of the XL1 for the near future.

The XL1 shows what is feasible. It has a range of more than 1,000 km on just one 10-liter tank of fuel — the equivalent of 621 miles on 2.6 gallons. Extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials means it is extremely light, weighing just 1,749 lbs. Yet that same material — carbon fiber — ensures the safety cell is remarkably strong, creating a safe vehicle. The lithium-ion battery provides a range of up to 35 kilometers, about 22 miles, in pure electric mode – that is, with zero tailpipe emissions. Yet despite its efficiency and sustainability, the XL1 is fun to drive.

This remarkable prototype proves that we can have efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing the fun of driving that must be part of the future.

Top photo: VW executives with Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of Volkswagen AG, and the XL1 at its unveiling at the Qatar auto show. Winterkorn is fourth from the right, next to the car. (Volkswagen)

Ulrich Hackenberg is a mechanical engineer who oversees development for Volkswagen AG as a member of its board of management.

Audio, Porsche, Mercedes Benz – Oh My!

At The Chicago Toy Store we are big fans too. Here is a collection of some of our favorite recent car commercials.

Audi proves to be the only getaway from Luxury Prison:

Porsche. A car designed with a singular purpose, yet somehow it manages to be so much more. Porsche. Engineered for Magic.

A restaurant full of surprises: What happens when Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher meet while having dinner, you’ll see in the next ad…

Here are a few of our Featured Video’s:

2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2003 Porsche Boxster #60196

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Welcome to The Chicago Toy Store – Serving Bensenville, IL

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The Chicago Toy Store is one of the nation’s premier sources for quality pre-driven luxury and exotic vehicles. Family owned and operated for almost 40 years, we emphasize on the sales and service of all sport, luxury, and foreign exotics along with an assortment of power sports.

Our selection of quality hand picked pre-driven automobiles is a mere sample of the thousands of vehicles we have purchased, sold, and shipped across the entire globe to our clients. Understanding our customers needs and working personally with each and every one of them has led to our great success in the industry. Our clients continuously return to us for their purchases and we are confident that you will be equally as impressed.

Along with our heated indoor showroom we also feature a state of the art service center and body shop where we can accomodate everything from a mere oil change to a complete rebuild. With our certified staff and master technicians we are able to complete all of your automotive needs at very competitive pricing. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog and watch the Video’s.

We are located at:

764 Thomas Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106 click for map & directions

Visit us on-line at: www.TheChicagoToyStore.com

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid – Range extended

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid – Range extended: Repost by The Chicago Toy Store

The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is not only the most economical Porsche of all time, but it also puts it streets ahead of all the full hybrid production vehicles in its class. More information on http://www.porsche.com/panamera-hybrid

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Video

The Chicago Toy store presents: Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Video.

We take a look at the technology of the Panamera S Hybrid, the latest expression of Porsche Intelligent Performance. The new car was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show alongside the very first Porsche hybrid, the 111 year old Semper Vivus.

911 GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche Press Release:

The Porsche Museum displays a unique exhibit

 The Porsche fan community on Facebook reached a magical milestone at the turn of the year when Porsche added its one-millionth fan on Facebook, one of the largest and most popular social networks on the Internet. Reason enough for Porsche to thank its fans with a special exhibition showcasing a unique custom-made vehicle: starting today, February 11, 2011, the Porsche museum will be presenting a Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid adorned with the signatures of more than 27,000 Porsche fans.

The 911 GT3 R Hybrid was chosen for this extraordinary signature-gathering campaign because it impressively embodies the future of motorsport – with Porsche Intelligent Performance.

The all-new hybrid system developed specially for use in a racing car has little in common with conventional hybrid systems as far as its design and componentry go. The 480 HP four-litre six-cylinder flat-twin engine in the back is complemented by an electric front axle drive with two electric drive motors each pumping out 60 kW. Instead of batteries, the electric motors are powered by an electric flywheel accumulator which is charged during braking. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already provided convincing proof of its race-worthiness in a 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for adults is Euro 8,-, with a special reduction available to Euro 4,-. Admission is free for children up to the age of 14 years provided they are accompanied by an adult. For further information, please visit http://www.porsche.com/museum or www.facebook.com/porsche.

The Chicago Toy Store is your Source of Pre-driven Porsche and Exotic Sports Cars.

Visit us on-line at:

www.TheChicagoToyStore.com

 

What is a SUPERCAR?

Let’s define the term SUPERCAR:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and The Chicago Toy Store

 

Supercar is a term used most often to describe an ultra-high-end “exotic” automobile, whose performance is superior to that of its contemporaries. It has been defined specifically as “a very expensive, fast or powerful car”. Stated in more general terms: “it must be very fast, with sporting handling to match,” “it should be sleek and eye-catching” and its price should be “one in a rarefied atmosphere of its own”. However, the proper application of the term is subjective and disputed, especially among enthusiasts. So-called vehicles are typically out of the ordinary and are marketed by automakers to be perceived by the public as unusual. The supercar can take many forms including limited production specials from an “elite” automaker, standard looking cars made by mainstream companies that hide massive power and performance, as well as models that appeal to “hardcore enthusiasts” from “manufacturers on the fringe of the car industry.”

Click here to view our Supercars at the Chicago Toy Store

The Chicago Toy Store is one of the nation’s premier sources for quality pre-driven luxury and exotic vehicles (Supercars). We are Family owned and operated for 40 years, we emphasize on the sales and service of all sport, luxury, and foreign exotics along with an assortment of power sports.

 

Our selection of quality hand picked pre-driven automobiles is a mere sample of the thousands of vehicles we have purchased, sold, and shipped across the entire globe to our clients.

Understanding our customers needs and working personally with each and every one of them has led to our great success in the industry. Our clients continuously return to us for their purchases and we are confident that you will be equally as impressed.

Along with our heated indoor showroom we also feature a state of the art service center and body shop where we can accomodate everything from a mere oil change to a complete rebuild. With our certified staff and master technicians we are able to complete all of your automotive needs at very competitive pricing. Thank you for taking the time to view our Blog.

 To find our more about us please visit us on-line at www.TheChicagoToyStore.com

We are located at:

764 Thomas Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106 click for map & directions

 

Porsche Racing and Driving Video’s

Porsche stands for pure motor sports. With many victories and above all the whole fascination of automobile sports.

The Best Porsche Racing and Driving Video’s reposted by The Chicago Toy Store:

911 GT2 RS: Driven to Extreme

Evolution 911 Driving Experience

Winter Trainings 2011

The Racing Lab 918 RSR Revealed

Sneak Peak – Porsche World Premiere in Detroit

Porsche 918 RSR revealed in Detroit

The Porsche Principle is our Magna Carta. It is based on values and philosophies that together create our added value. The Porsche Principle is about a company that consistently goes its own way. In public life because we not only decline subsidies. In society as a whole because – despite our exclusive products – social acceptance is paramount for us. On the labour market, because to secure our long-term success we don’t eliminate jobs, we secure and create them. On the business base issue, because we are committed to Germany and are a constant reminder to others that one can succeed here too.

Incidentally, the Porsche Principle is a matter of our own standards. Faith in our own virtues. We have very definite ideas on how we develop and produce our vehicles. In addition to maximum cost-effectiveness, they must comply with the high demands we make. What counts here are quality, environmental protection, safety. And, naturally, fascination. All this is important. So important that we integrate our suppliers in the development process from the very first new car concept, and demand a lot of them. Because we also demand a lot of ourselves. And believe in partnership. The Porsche Principle is also about responsibility. To the customer, and to our own heritage. We never forget our origins. And they are rooted in Motorsports, where we have written history on the track. We concentrate on what we do best: building sports cars.

For a list of Quality Pre-Driven Porsche Sports Cars and Sport utilities, please visit us on-line at:

www.TheChicagoToyStore.com

 

Ranger Rover Time: Winter Driving in Chicago

At The Chicago Toy Store we believe in Safety. One way we can help our fellow Chicago Winter Drivers is to repost a few Winter Driving Videos from Chemmy Alcott.

Chimene “Chemmy” Mary Alcott is the current female British number one Alpine skier. Alcott has competed in three Winter Olympic Games and six Senior FIS Alpine Ski World Championships and drives in some of the worst conditions due to her lifestyle.

Corvette Stingray Concept and Transformers Video

History of the Corvette Stingray

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and The Chicago Toy Store

 

The Corvette Stingray was a privately funded concept car that formed a basis for the second (C2) generation Corvette Sting Ray. The Stingray racer-concept car was designed by Bill Mitchell, GM Vice President of styling, and Larry Shinoda in 1957. The basis of the Stingray was the 1957 Corvette SS, an engineering test mule chassis for the creation of an official Chevrolet race effort culminating with the 24 Hours of LeMans. Soon after its race debut, the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) banned manufacturer-sponsored racing, and the SS had been relegated to test track duty. The Stingray exists today with a 327 cubic inch (5.4 L), fuel-injected V-8 of 375 hp (280 kW)

 

History

Design and development

The Stingray used elements of the still-born Q-Corvette design study as well as the SS underpinnings, featuring a 92-inch (2,337 mm) wheelbase. The new car was exceptionally light, with a dry weight of 2,200 pounds, nearly 1,000 lb (450 kg) lighter than a 1957 production car. Its fuel-injected small block 283 cubic inch (4.6 L) V-8 engine produced 315 horsepower (235 kW) at 6,200 rpm. The Stingray body design strongly influenced the styling of the next generation Corvette, which saw production as a 1963 model. It also was a test bed for many technical developments including the four-speed manual transmission, extensive use of aluminum and a de Dion rear suspension.

Operational history

Billed as a car “built to test handling ease and performance,” Bill Mitchell arranged to race the car quite extensively. In the hands of Dr. Dick Thompson, it made its debut at Maryland’s Marlboro Raceway on 18 April 1959, finishing in fourth place. It went on to win an SCCA National Championship in 1960.

The Stingray was then retired from racing and modified by Mitchell with, among other things, a passenger seat added. The modified vehicle was exhibited as an experimental show car even while Mitchell regularly drove it personally on weekends. After its career as a concept car was finished, it was retained by the GM Design Studio as a historically significant vehicle

Specifications

1957 Stingray Racer

• Frame:Space frame
• Body: Fiberglass
• Engine location: Front
• Drive type: Rear wheel
• Weight: 2,200 lb (1,000 kg)
• Engine
  • Engine configuration: V
  • Cylinders: 8
  • Aspiration/Induction: Normal
  • Displacement: 283.00 in³ | 4638 cc
  • Valvetrain: OHV
  • Power: 315 hp (235 kW) @ 6200 rpm
  • Torque: 295.00 ft·lbf (400 N·m) @ 4700 rpm
  • Power to weight ratio: 7.0 lb/hp
  • Power to volume ratio: 68.5 bhp/L
  • Bore: 3.87 in | 98.3 mm
  • Stroke: 3.00 in | 76.2 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

2009 Stingray Concept

50th Anniversary Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show.

 

Also referred to as the Corvette Centennial, the 50th Anniversaary Stingray show car debuted at the Chicago Auto Show February 2009. Design and technology came together to celebrate Corvette’s past, present and future.

DETROIT – Chevrolet delivers a futuristic vision of technology and design with the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. A version of the model was first shown at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as “Sideswipe” in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette.

The Corvette Stingray Concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with surprisingly high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. The car is well-appointed with a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high performance hybrid drive. Interactive touch controls allow the driver to customize the power and efficiency of his or her ride and share it with friends via the in-car camera system and advanced telemetrics. It has been rumored to be the basis of the C7 corvette.

Porsche 918 Spyder: Repost from The Chicago Toy Store

Porsche Intelligent Performance – The next spark

Porsche | March 01, 2010  | 175,290 views

 

Porsche 911 2dr Cpe Carrera S

We couldnt find the sports car for the day after tomorrow. So we built it ourselves. Meet the Concept Study Porsche 918 Spyder. Its world premiere in Geneva will redefine what the future of the sports car will look like.

http://www.porsche.com/intelligent-performance

 

The Chicago Toy Store is your Porsche connection in Chicago for Service or Sales.

Visit us on-line at:

www.TheChicagoToyStore.com