2009 LA Auto Show: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept

The exterior design also has remenents of the L1 concept, but the styling is more practical - potentially signifying an intent to eventually put it into production. It features an almost edgeless aerodynamic and lightweight body (it weighs just 1,500 pounds) made of a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber. Instead of side mirrors - because they're just so passé - the Up! Lite has 'winglets' with cameras pointing toward the rear of the car. These images, and ones from a camera in the roof spoiler, will be transmitted to a screen within the car.

Other technology exists on the exterior as well, like the radiator inlet, which opens only when the engine temperature needs to be regulated. The 18-inch aluminum wheels are also supported by ten carbon fiber spokes, though VW hints that in a production version 16-inch aerodynamic wheels fitted with low-resistance tires would be more likely.

The interior is highly geared toward space and functionality. The two-door design means that the seats need to move forward to allow access to the rear. Shirking convention, the front bucket seats are singular structures. Just pull a loop on the side of the seat and it moves up easily. The rear seats unlatch to fold flat with a pull of the headrest, creating a surprising amount of cargo room. To keep the interior cooled while parked on hot days, VW has equipped the Up! Lite with a 'passive park ventilation' system. As hot air rises, it is filtered through an opening between the end of the roof and tailgate.

We've seen a number of the Up! concepts at auto shows, most recently the e-Up! at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, but the Up! Lite is clearly one that fits within the classic VW design aesthetic without sacrificing real-world functionality. They are considering launching this car globally, with a modified design. There go the 'winglets.'