APR, a tuner based in the United States, has gone to work on the Volkswagen Atlas, giving the seven-seater SUV more power and improved off-road ability.
The Alabama-based firm fitted a factory turbocharger from the Golf R to the SUV’s 2,0-litre TSI engine, before adding its own ECU upgrade along with a carbon-fibre intake system, a new turbo inlet pipe (and turbo muffler delete) and custom exhaust system.
The result? Fresh peak outputs of around 260 kW and 475 N.m (up from the stock 175 kW and 350 N.m), which means this four-pot outpunches even the flagship 3,6-litre VR6 engine. In addition to these powertrain modifications, APR says it installed its six-piston 350 mm performance braking upgrade.
The fitment of new suspension components raises the Atlas a further 38 mm over standard, while new lightweight S01 20×9-inch forged wheels (illuminated by wheel well lights) are wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T 275/55/20 rubber.
A recent report out of Australia suggested that VW in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia were “reconsidering” importing the Volkswagen Atlas after all three markets initially “didn’t want” the seven-seater SUV, but Volkswagen SA has since told CARmag.co.za that it has no plans to bring the Atlas to local shores.
