Volkswagen has created a concept to help paint a better picture of where they see the future of urban driving. The German automaker has designed a single seat automobile that has been dubbed the Volkswagen NILS . This week, auto enthusiasts around the world will have the opportunity to see the concept's official debut, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in Germany.

With two gullwing doors, plus a rear hatch, the  Volkswagen NILS concept has three times as many doors as it does seats. At first glance, it looks like something that flew in from the Jetsons. But, beneath its futuristic, cartoonish surface, which closely resembles a Formula-1 race car, is an abundance of serious technology.

Behind the driver's seat sits a 15 kW electric motor touting a range of approximately 40 miles. To top it off, Volkswagen added an overboost function. This effectively propels the concept from zero to 62 miles per hour (mph) in 11 seconds flat.  Charging time of Volkswagen's feisty little EV is also very impressive. In a conventional European plug, a full charge takes just two hours.

Now, in seeing the Volkswagen NILS concept, some will undoubtedly be scared by the cars small size. Funny, how it works the opposite in the auto industry...smaller is deemed scarier. However, Boston Volkswagen can tell you, the 1,000-lb. NILS is loaded with all of the late-breaking safety systems you'd find in a large sedan. This includes a TFT instrument cluster, intelligent PID touchscreen, stout aluminum spaceframe, hybrid xenon and LED headlamps, automatic distance control, and city emergency braking.

Volkswagen hasn't neglected practicality, either. The new NILS EV concept offers enough room behind the rear hatch for a load of groceries, tennis rackets and balls, gym bags and laptop satchels.

Speaking on the new NILS concept, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management and Head of Development for the Volkswagen Brand says, "NILS  is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone had projected it back from 2030 to the world today. This study melds sustainability, design, and lifestyle in a new way. It's a high-tech vehicle from the Volkswagen company with electric drive, but it's also very realistically conceptualized."¹

Stay tuned for all the latest information on the Volkswagen NILS concept. Boston Volkswagen, located at 43 North Beacon Street Watertown, MA 02472, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ¹ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/volkswagen-takes-another-shot-at-single-seat-mobility-with-frank/