This Ducati-Engined VW XL1 Is What Every Petrolhead's Been Praying For

Volkswagen is on a roll at the moment. First, it creates the world's most fuel efficient car - the 795kg, 313mpg XL1 - then VW-owned Audi buys Ducati for £708m. Now, VW boss Ferdinand Piëch has revealed a plan that's mad enough to make every petrolhead pitch a trouser tent...

The plan? VW is taking a 1200cc, high-revving bike engine and it is shoving it under the bonnet of the XL1! Tent. Pitched.

The 1200cc engine in the Projekt XL Sport produces 190hp at 10750rpm and 91lb ft of torque at 9000rpm. The Sport model will be lighter than the 795kg XL1 on which it is based thanks, in part, to the loss of the car's plug-in hybrid system. No performance figures have been hinted at, but a 0-62mph time of around 4.0sec is expected.

Looking at the images, the enclosed rear wheels you'll find on the 313mpg model have been binned in favour of exposed lightweight racing units. You'll also spot plenty of cooling ducts and an aggressive body kit. We likey!

If the XL1 Sport makes production, it'll be as a track weapon only, however. What do you say we try to convince VW to make it a road car too?