Volkswagen has traditionally been known more for its quirky branding than its bold claims. That didn't stop the German automaker from recently declaring that it had built "the most fuel-efficient car in the world." (Scroll down for our PHOTOS.)
As The New York Times reported, when unveiling its bullet-shaped VW L1 Hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show last week, VW didn't shy away from audacious boasts. Here's the NYT:
"In photos, it looks like a car. In the metal, it has the appearance of a small plane, to which someone forgot to attach the wings and a tail. Walter de Silva, Volkswagen's head of design, says the shape 'redefines classic and aesthetic vehicle traits. All of its moving parts are integrated so accurately that the body resembles a rocket or jet.'"
Though, it won't be available until 2013, the two-seater L1 quickly become the talk of Frankfurt. The diesel-electric hybrid engine gets a whopping 157.8 miles per gallon and tops out at 100 miles per hour, according to CarConnection. The L1 also has an "impressive" driving range of 416 miles, which beats plug-in competitors.
Gizmag took a look at the vehicle in Frankfurt and called the vehicle "a revolution." Its oh-so slim width, they said, "has no comparison in today's production of cars."
WATCH Gizmag's take -- and check out our slideshow of the VW L1 below: