Volkswagen Up! Lite at 2009 L.A. Auto Show
- Looks like: What the VW Golf and GTI might look like in a few years
- Defining characteristics: Diesel/electric hybrid system, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, glass liftgate
- Ridiculous features: Dish-style wheels, opening and closing grille
- Chance of being mass-produced: Probable, albeit with changes; the Up! Lite is related to the small cars VW plans to launch in late 2011
The Up! Lite is similar in size to VW's current Golf two-door hatchback, but it has a more low-slung look thanks to a low roofline. The Up! Lite is an aerodynamic car, with a drag coefficient of .24. An opening and closing grille that responds to engine conditions replaces a traditional fixed one, and the concept has an all-glass rear liftgate.
Powering the Up! Lite is a .8-liter two-cylinder turbo-diesel that works with an electric motor. The car is capable of moving on electric power at low speeds, and it features a lithium-ion battery pack as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Up! Lite's cabin has a minimalist design and features bright-orange accents on the floor and door panels. The cabin is free of traditional gauges and controls, which have been replaced by two screens -- one in front of the steering wheel and another in the middle of the dash. The touch-screen in the center of the cabin operates features like the climate system and stereo. A neat trick in the Up! Lite is folding the rear head restraints releases the backrest, so it can lowered.
As far as concepts go, the Up! Lite isn't a far-flung one where design is concerned. With some changes here and there to the outside and inside, this look could easily be the successor to VW's current-generation small cars.
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im impressed. this looks very stiking and nice.
i really like those rims too.
A two cylinder diesel motor? This is going to be one slow, piece of junk.
Looks nice, with a wagon design, it should offer a lot of cargo space.
97 MPG - wow - that a lot.
BTW, the days of gus-guzzling SUVs and Pickups are fading away.
In Nov-2009 sales, CUV's sold nearly 160,000 while Pickups sold less than 100,000 and SUV's sold less than 70,000.
With rising Oil prices, many will buy this type of car if priced correctly.
If you havent read the last few months top sold vehciles are trucks and SUVS.
It is a 2 cylinder TURBO deisle so it would prolly be like driving an old 80's toyota or honda with a wimpy 4cyl in it.
I can't take my eyes on the wheels,perfect.Also,as a hybrid vehicle,it is fuel efficient and environment friendly.
Looks very stunning and elegant.My dad got an old volks and i think i have to show him this model so he can decide to get a new one.
Wow.. This is great! I can say that this car is very cool.. I wish I could drive this one.. Anyway, thanks for sharing and I definitely visit here more often.