Volkswagen Up! Light Concept Hints At Future Hybrid Models

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen revealed an all-new concept car, called the Up! Lite, that demonstrates a new focus on fuel-efficiency and hybrids by getting straight to numbers; its carbon-dioxide emissions are just 65 grams per mile and at 70 mpg, it's the most fuel-efficient four-passenger vehicle in the world.

With a little 0.8-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) two-cylinder engine, electric-motor system, and seven-speed direct-shift (DSG) gearbox, combined with an aerodynamically optimized body and advanced lightweight body shell, the Up! Lite promises an excellent 70 mpg combined. Yet it also can get to 60 mph in just 12 seconds and to a top speed of 100 mph. [...]