Ducati-engined VW XL1 development "should be simple"

The Ducati-powered VW XL1 mooted by VW board chairman Ferdinand Piëch will be prototyped, although company insiders have admitted ensuring that the vehicle is sufficiently safe for its level of performance is currently their main priority.

It has been reported that the XL Sport will be powered by a 1200cc engine that develops 187bhp at 10,750rpm and 91lb ft of torque at 9000rpm. It will be mated to a twin-clutch transmission.

“We will make one, and we will open out testing to see what the reaction is,” said an insider. “It is a good challenge for our engineers, and in simple terms quite simple; it only requires suspension changes and aero tweaking once the engine is in.

"The harder part is ensuring safety for the level of performance.”