The tare weight already exposes the sensational saving measures. The chassis with its spring-mounted masses is especially important, because a low weight brings about good handling characteristics. There are just four small light running tyres, and instead of a spare tyre there is a breakdown set.

Axle beam, wishbone and damper consist of aluminium. The vehicle is about 10 millimetres lowered for a better aerodynamics. Such a weight reduction is only possible if all elements of the car are considered. This starts with the car body having thinner windows and (unfortunately) also applies to the insulating materials. The doors, fenders, bonnet and the seat racks are all manufactured from aluminium and the steering wheel and tailgate even partially from the even lighter magnesium. High-strength metal sheets in the car body structure likewise help saving weight, while smaller gap widths provide for less air resistance. The air resistance is reduced further by changed fresh air ducts in front and more wheel coverage in the rear.

Also the engine of the Lupo is altered. Although a diesel engine, the cylinder block is manufactured from aluminium alloy with poured around grey iron bushes. Combining the automated gearbox with the economy mode it is possible to drive the car with 3 litres / 100 km. But, the engine clearly exposes less power and the gearbox switches gears especially consumption-friendly. If the vehicle stands still, the engine is automatically switched off after 4 seconds. High-lubricity oil is used.

Besides the clearly advisable auxiliary heating system the Lupo can be ordered with a gradually working, manual air-conditioning which should not be switched on, however, when trying to go for the 3 litres of consumption. The 3-litre Lupo is in the end both unsuccessful in terms of sales figures as in terms of production costs. The car is manufactured in Wolfsburg, at only 50 pieces per day. The final mounting takes place by hand and the showing project is discontinued by VW in 2005.