Volkswagen’s big news at the LA Auto Show was the world premiere of the Up! Lite Concept, a hybrid diesel based on the company’s upcoming small-car architecture – meaning it could very well see production. As a natural progression of the two-seater L1 concept that debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show, this four-seater offers practicality and amazing fuel economy. In fact, VW claims a rating of 70-mpg on the highway.
Power comes from an 800cc turbo-diesel motor, mated to a hybrid setup using a lithium-ion battery pack. In total it makes 64-hp and is good for a 0-60 mph time of 12 seconds. It also features a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission.
Along with the hybrid setup, there are two other important reasons for the Up! Lite’s amazing fuel economy. The first is the car’s aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of just 0.237 cd. The next is the car’s weight. In total, VW says that it weighs just 1,530 lbs – hence the car’s name. It even features a stylish exposed carbon fiber roof.
GALLERY: Volkswagen Up! Light Concept
Official release after the jump:
![Meredes CLS Shooting Brake: Lookin’ Fine in Winter Time [Spy Photos]](http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads//2012/02/Mercedes-CLS-Shooting-Brake-thumb.jpg "Meredes CLS Shooting Brake: Lookin’ Fine in Winter Time [Spy Photos]")
