Car news for January 19th, 2013

Note:  The car reviews on this blog may be put on hold due to the fact that i have reviewed every car my family owns, so now i need to ask some used car dealerships if i can ride in their cars.  Stand by for more reviews.

VW XL1 in the Snow-
Information credits-CarBuzz mobile app
Image source: www.autoblog.com
Volkswagen has been testing the XL1, which is supposed to be a diesel-hybrid car that supposedly could do 235 MPG!  I don't know about you, but that seems a bit optimistic of VW.  The XL1 is also going to be able to maintain control in bad weather.  CarBuzz has caught the XL1 testing in -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
The XL1 will get its power from a puny two cylinder turbo diesel with, gulp, 50 horsepower, accompanied by a 30HP electric motor.  80 horsepower to me sounds a bit, underpowered.  It will have a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.  Here's my favorite bit, it has gull wing doors.  The XL1 should be revealed later in 2013.


Porsche 918 Spyder in the snow-
Information source: CarBuzz mobile app
Image source: www.autoevolution.com
Porsche has been testing its hybrid supercar in cold weather.  CarBuzz spotted the 918 in the Martini livery testing in Sweden.   The 918 will be the successor of the Carrera GT, it has a 4.6L V8 with two electric motors.  Altogether this car will produce an astonishing 762 HP.  The 918 will weigh in at around 1700 kilograms with 0-60MPH time of under three seconds.  Flat out, this car will reach 202 MPH.  And here's the best bit, it'll do 78MPG.
The 918 is arriving in September 2013, but only 918 cars will be sold.  Unfortunately for those who want one, for 645,000 Euros, will have to wait, Because all 918 have been sold.




Mazda and Fiat join to build new Alfa Romeo Roadster-
Information source: MotorTrend mobile app

In May, 2012, Fiat and Mazda announced that they will join to build the new Alfa Romeo Roadster.
Both automakers signed an agreement saying that Mazda will build the cars at it's factory in Hiroshima.  Fiat's CEO recognized that Mazda was a leader in rear-drive compact cars.