VW's 235 MPG Bobsled

Volkswagen is moving closer to production of their 235 mpg diesel-electric hybrid with a release date of 2010.

The car seats two people, tandem style. At 11.4 feet long, 4.1 feet wide and 3.3 feet tall, it will send you bobsledding down the highway. With a carbon fiber body, airbags and crunch zones, VW claims the car is as safe as a GT racing car. Aerodynamics and a very light weight help to achieve the remarkable mileage. The concept car only weighs in at 640 pounds. At that, it would only take a couple of guys to pick this up and toss it in the back of their pick-up. Wonder if it comes with a titanium bicycle lock?

Personally, given the large number of SUV's on Houston's roadways, it could be a little disconcerting to be tooling around in something so small. On the other hand, how much longer can people afford to put gas in all those Hummers? So there is probably about to be lots of space freeing up on our highways. Most of my driving is done on local streets anyway, and this would be great for tooling around on errands and such.

The biggest drawback? The $31,000 to $47,000 estimated price tag. Ouch.