Posted on 05/09/2008 10:07:16 AM PDT by dangerdoc
Although you can definitely pre-order an Aptera if you're okay with space-aged design, Volkswagen is hoping to provide another option for those looking for ridiculous MPG and a little bit of normalcy in construction. Okay, so maybe the 1-Liter isn't exactly standard fare -- with its plastic / magnesium shell and all-glass roof -- but at least it packs four whole wheels and an iconic VW badge, right? According to Motor Authority, the automaker will be producing said vehicle and pushing it to market as early as 2010, and while the minuscule engine will only take you to 75MPH, it will still seat two people -- one in front of the other, though -- and get around 235MPG. No word on a price or any of that good stuff, but we're hearing that they'll only be produced in "limited numbers" whenever they're launched.
One liter means 1,000 cc dispalcement.
My 1963 VW had 1200 cc’s and did fine. Top speed 72 mph and when going that speed, Americans I passed were pissed to the point of passing me because of the insult.
I don’t think I’d even fit into a 1-litre car.
apparently it needs improved theft-protection.
yeah except they were still in first gear.
Puhleeze.
If I were single with no kids to transport I’d get one if the price was right.
Afraid of Harleys too?
Gasoline is still too cheap . Where is Fiat when you need a POS priced like a POS ?
You don't have to have 500 horses just to get your lone carcass to work in safety.I suppose we could all drive heavy battle tanks to the 7-11?
Anyway, I owned an Opel Kadett as my first car-it had a 1.1 liter 4 cylinder gas engine and 4 speed manual shift.But I never got 75mpg nor did I feel unsafe as it accelerated well enough for normal traffic.I drove nearly 100 miles a day at speeds to 75 mph right with the other cars.
We do still have speed limits and the truth is almost never do you need to drive at maximum speed of the car nor are most drivers qualified to drive that fast.I'd think the tens of thousands of dead people and smashed cars every year are proof enough.
You might have to go looking for someone to steal it.
lol!
Best guess would be under $17,000.00.
Publicity shot of the prototype 925cc Kraft durch Freide Wagen (Strength through Joy Car).
Here’s an overall description of the Aptera
The Aptera has a 2 plus 1 seating configuration. The two front seats are arranged as standard side by side seating. There is also a center infant seat behind the driver and passenger. The side doors open to the front and upward completely inside the front wheel track so you never have to worry about hitting the vehicle parked next to you or damaging your door while exiting your Aptera in a tight garage. There is enough storage in the rear for 15 bags of groceries, or 2 full size golf club bags. And the Aptera is even big enough for a couple of seven foot surf boards and any associated beach accessories.
Here is what’s available in every Aptera
Driver and passenger side Airbags
Energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger Safety Cell
Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system
“Eyes Forward” vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver’s field of view to enhance situational awareness
LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency
Solar assisted Climate Control System so you always enter a comfortable Aptera that is never too hot or cold
And an RFID(Radio Frequency ID) key fob so you never have to pull out your keys to enter or start your Aptera. The key fob simply remains in your pocket or purse.
Here is where you have an option (drive topology)
(Do you want to drive long distances or do you just want to use your Aptera for your daily commute, chores, and as a general around town vehicle?)
All Electric This Aptera is powered exclusively with batteries and will get you around town to the tune of approximately 120 miles depending on your driving conditions. At night you simply plug the Aptera into any standard 110 volt outlet and in just a few hours you will have a fully charged vehicle that will take you another 120 miles. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $26,900.
Plug-in Series Hybrid This Aptera is also powered by an electric drive train but it is assisted by a fuel efficient gasoline powered generator which stretches your range significantly. In typical driving you may achieve over 300 miles per gallon and you will have range far beyond any passenger vehicle available today. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $29,900.
Der Führer orders that it be priced below DM 1000.
>> If I were single with no kids to transport I’d get one if the price was right.
If I were single w/o kids, I’d still drive an Expedition — it’d just be a quieter ride.
You couldn’t lower the price enough for me to drive one of those matchboxes. Part of the reason I drive a large car (other than all the people I’ve got to transport) is, if I get in a wreck, I want to make sure I win it.
People can impugn the safety of SUVs all they want (rollovers, whatever) — you’ll not survive an accident when you’re not even big enough to hit the body of another car (i.e. your body hits their tires). I’ve had family members walk away from catastrophic accidents (including one with a dump truck hitting a driver door at 45mph) precisely because they were in a large car (Suburban, in the case of the dump truck accident).
It’ll always be big cars for me.
H
Cool. A car with the engine displacement of a St. Bernard’s bowel movement.
Please make sure you have made arrangements for eternal salvation prior to merging onto the interstate.
My ‘67 MG Midget was 1275 cc and a top speed, as measured by Maine State Police, 105 MPH. That was after a port and polish job.
Looks more reliable than most Fords I see coming off the line.
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