2007 L.A. Auto Show: Volkswagen Space Up! Blue

Volkswagen broke out the big guns for the introduction of its Space Up! Blue fuel cell vehicle. Surrounded by basketball-dribbling guys in Lakers jerseys, the tiny compact car rolled out of what looked like a gigantic Pringles can with former NBA player John Salley riding shotgun. After some inane banter with a VW executive who asked what Salley thought of the car, the co-host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period disappeared. Didn't really get the connection. So come to think of it, maybe they weren't such big guns.

Anyway, Volkswagen's Space Up! concept was shown in Tokyo, but the Blue version features VW's new high-temperature fuel cell (HT-FC). Featuring an electric motor capable of producing 45 KW, this subcompact can reach a theoretical top speed of 75 mph and can go from zero to 62 mph in a "dynamic" 13.7 seconds. Yes, very dynamic. The batteries have a range of 65 miles and with the hydrogen fuel cell, range is estimated to be 220 miles.

The concept's 12 lithium-ion batteries are recharged via solar panels mounted on the roof and the hydrogen-powered HT-FC system. Past fuel-cell systems have been able to operate in a very specific temperature range -- if the temperature rises too much, energy recovery is brought to a standstill. Volkswagen's system utilizes a "high-temperature" membrane and specially designed electrodes that allows the car to be driven over a temperature range of up to 160 degrees Celsius. It also reduces space requirements, weight and cost by implementing simpler cooling and water management systems.

Unlike Honda, which has committed to bringing its FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle to market this summer, Volkswagen wouldn't say what its plans for its HT-FC are. It did say that a car similar in size and concept to the Space Up! could show up early next decade. -- James Riswick, Associate Editor

Categories: LA Auto Show,Volkswagen