It looks like the downsizing trend partially started by Renault with their semi-car Renault Twizy is catching up among other large carmakers, because at this month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show we’ll get the chance to see two concept built around the same idea: besides the already announced Audi Urban Concept, the VAG group will also unveil the Volkswagen NILS concept.
It will probably not come as a surprise at all too car enthusiasts, but the two concept cars share the same platform, just like the German group got us used to, the only difference being that the Volkswagen concept approaches a different design theme, more clean and pragmatic, compared to the sporty look of the Audi concept. The other major difference is that the Volkswagen NILS can only accommodate one passenger, while the Audi concept can transport two people.
We have no idea so far what the NILS name stands for, but what we do know is that the Volkswagen concept car is based on the same Space Frame aluminum structure, just like its “cousin” from Audi. The electric motor powering the NILS delivers 15 kW (20 hp) and has an impressive torque output of 130 Nm, considering the car’s reduced size and power output. However, when this is not enough, the NILS driver can always use the boost function, which increases the car’s power output fo 25 kW (34 hp) for short periods of time.
Therefore, the small car from Volkswagen accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 11 seconds, which is better than some production cars today, while the top speed is around 130 km/h (80 mph). The lithium-ion battery pack have a 5.3 kWh storage capacity and are “responsible” for a 65 km (40 miles) maximum range of full electric driving of the Volkswagen NILS. The batteries can be charged from a regular power outlet and a full recharge only take 2 hours.
The Volkswagen NILS concept car is also taking care of its passenger’s safety, featuring ABS and ESP systems as standard, and also an automatic anti-collision system that works at speeds of up to 30 km/h (18.6 mph). The 17-inch wheels have special tires and the car’s total weight is comparable with large scooters, being only 460 kg (around 1,100 pounds), while the car’s dimensions are just a little smaller than the other small car from Volkswagen which will debut in Frankfurt, the Up!
That’s about all we have so far, but Volkswagen will definitely release more info once the car makes it’s official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.