We all love a good tuned up performance vehicle, especially when it’s made out of Volkswagen (even a foreign model like the VW Scirocco) – but we are a little scared at what Abt Performance has done to tune up this vehicle. Abt’s Sportsline VW package, available for January 2009, includes a full body kit, rear exhaust system along with chassis performance upgrades.

Abt’s exterior body kit gives the front and rear of this Volkswagen a more narrow, sleek look- with an aggressive, slopped hood and grill region. Side scoops replace the blank area under the doors and a roof spoiler and a four-port exhaust output.

Under the hood, Abt raises power to 200 hp with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. An extra 2.0 TSI is increased from the standard 200 hp to 240 hp.

VW states: “The Up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the Up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design.”

Up!’s rear is starting a tradition we will most likely see in many city vehicle concepts – it’s completely transparent, while taillights are high up on the car, so the bike messengers won’t miss you. The VW logo in the rear is behind this see-thru back, and lights up at night…just in case you forget what make the car is. As for the front end, there is still that lovable Beetle-like smiley face grill.

Inside, you have a bit more legroom than your typical mini car, and the dash is laid out with touch screen controls and a fully digital gauges. This may be what future Volkswagen’s look at inside and out.