Currently reading: Frankfurt show: VW Up GT concept
Six wild concepts accompanied the launch of the VW Up city car at Frankfurt motor show today

The global premiere of the new Volkswagen Up at today’s Frankfurt motor show has been accompanied by a six-strong range of Up-based concepts, including a GT version.

An electric e-Up is also on display alongside a four-door Cross Up, two Up buggys designed for the beach and an Eco-Up with 79g/km Co2 emissions.

Powering the GT Up is 98bhp version of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine found in the standard three-door car. VW says the car is in the spirit of the original Golf GTI and promises exceptional performance thanks to its low 900kg kerb weight.

The electric e-Up has been confirmed for production in 2013 and the Frankfurt show car previews the production version. It uses a 60kw electric motor and 18kwh battery pack. It can reach a top speed of 85mph and can travel about 80 miles on a single charge.

The Eco up is powered by a 66bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder natural gas engine. VW says the car, which features its Bluemotion Technology, is already a production reality. Its ultra-low 79g/km Co2 figure is claimed to be a new best for a natural gas powered car.

The four-door cross up is another car with a production future. VW says the car both previews the imminent four-door Up and shows how it may look when given the rugged ‘cross’ makeover.

The two buggy concepts have a beach theme. The buggy up takes its inspiration from Beetle-based buggys from California in the 1960s, while the up azzurra is based on a Mediterranean theme. It is the work of designers Giorgetto Giugiaro and Walter de Silva and takes its name from the azzurra sailing team in Italy.

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