Spy photographers staking out a potential drop off point for the new VW Lupo / Up prototype got lucky and caught the vehicle being unloaded in Death Valley for hot weather testing. The Lupo / Up was previously spied in mule form wearing a shortened Polo body. These photos show VW’s newest city/minicar model as a full body prototype for the first time.

In addition to the 3 door hatchback seen here, the Lupo / Up will also be available as a longer wheelbase 5 door hatch as well as an all electric version. The electric variant previewed in concept form as the E Up! will come with a 60 kW electric motor producing 210 Nm of torque. Other variants will likely feature VW’s small diesel and petrol power plant lineup including a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder petrol engine and 1.2 liter diesel both producing 75 PS (74 bhp / 55 kW) plus a 1.2 liter TSI with 86 PS (84 bhp / 63kW)

Production will commence in Slovakia with its market launch in summer 2011 as a 2012 model. The E Lupo is not expected to make it to market until 2013. Prices are expected to begin at around £8200 (€9,700) for the UK market.

By WCF