The Volkswagen XL1 is in no doubt an interesting feat of engineering. With the ability of consuming only 0.9 liter of fuel per 100km or 261mpg, even the design of the XL1 speaks loudly of its immense fuel saving capability. But out to prove that Volkswagen is not the only ones able to create such marvel is Renault with their recently revealed EOLAB Concept car.
The EOLAB focuses on three main areas for it to achieve the amazing 235mpg (100km/l) reading; minimizing weight, refining the aerodynamics and through the help of a hybrid powertrain. Compared to a conventional subcompact hatchback, engineers were able to shed 400kg through the usage of lightweight materials, stripping the cabin to bare essentials and replacing the center console and side mirrors to electronic units.
The shape of the EOLAB was sculptured by the engineers to achieve a drag coefficient of only 0.235, 30-percent less than the Renault Clio. This is possible through installing active elements around the body such as spoilers and flaps that automatically adjusts depending on the speed.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain setup combines a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor that integrates with the three-speed clutchless transmission that sends the power to the front wheels. The 6.7 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged at home and gives out an all-electric driving range of about 66km.
As mentioned earlier, the Renault EOLAB for the time being is only a concept, but it also serves as a preview of a “realistic and affordable” subcompact that should be emerging within 10 years’ time. The EOLAB will be making its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show on October 2.
