About nine months ago Volkswagen unveiled the production version of the ultra-frugal XL1 which will be built in a limited series. Now it seems they are considering a sportier version of that car which will be sold with the XLR moniker. British magazine Autocar is reporting the big boys at VW plan to introduce a high-performance XL1 which will be powered by a motorcycle engine borrowed from the Ducati 1199 Panigale. Hans-Jakob Neusser who is VW’s chief of R&D said development of the car has already advanced, while rumors are pointing towards a 2014 Geneva Motor Show introduction next March.
Motivation will be provided by a 1.2-liter, 2-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 187 bhp available at 10,750 rpm and a peak torque of 123 Nm at 9,000 rpm. This rather interesting vehicle was previewed in late September by VW at the University of Vienna where they held a lecture.
Source: Autocar
