The North American arm of the Volkswagen brand has revealed the five concepts that will form part of its “enthusiast show fleet” for 2018, including tweaked versions of the Golf R, Tiguan and Arteon.
The vehicles, which VW says were “inspired by the diverse design tastes of Volkswagen enthusiasts”, were on display at the SoWo: European Experience on Hutchinson Island, Savannah.
Volkswagen Golf R Abstract concept
The Abstract concept features a camouflage print wrap and rides on 20-inch FR design wheels in Mystic Black from German tuner, ABT Sportsline. This model furthermore boasts an H&R Springs Sport Spring system that lowers the vehicle by 25 mm. ABT also fitted the Golf R with side-skirts and an uprated stainless steel performance quad-exhaust system with matte black chrome tips, which VW says gives the Golf R concept an “even more dynamic” sound. The steering wheel has been upgraded to a BAK Performance Mk7 custom carbon-fibre item, complete with Golf R blue stitching.
Volkswagen Jetta R-Line SoCal concept
In celebration of the impending US launch of the seventh-generation Jetta, Volkswagen looked back on its predecessors for inspiration. The German brand describes the SoCal concept as “a heritage-based design with modern accents”. Taking inspiration from the Mk2 Jetta, the body graphics give a nod to the past, while other visual highlights include fluorescent yellow side-mirror caps, a gloss black roof with a geodesic fluorescent yellow design, and body-colour wheels with yellow accents. SoCal-based wheel and automotive design company fifteen52 developed the concept, while KW automotive developed a prototype ST XTA Coil Over system with adjustable top mounts to lower the ride height by about 75 mm to properly showcase the Formula GT 19-inch wheels.
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Aero concept
Air Lift Performance installed its 3P Air Management System with Performance Series front and rear struts, lowering the ride height up to 120 mm, giving this Tiguan concept the most aggressive attitude of the line-up. Powder-coated, matte-black Rotiform 20-inch Monoblock CCV wheels are also included, along with a Thule Motion XT Alpine rooftop carrier, wrapped with the same design scheme, and sited on a Thule AeroBlade Edge roof rack system.
Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Highlight concept
The Arteon R-Line Highlight concept rides on 20-inch Hybrid Forged HF-2 alloys from Vossen Wheels, while a prototype set of Ultra Low Coil Overs from H&R Springs drops the ride height by around 75 mm. The Arteon concept has an ultra-fluorescent yellow wrap that accentuates its gloss black and chrome R-Line accents.
Volkswagen Atlas Tanner Foust SEMA concept
Professional racing driver Tanner Foust is responsible for this one, equipping the Atlas with off-road wheels and large tyres, as well as extended fenders and added lower body panel cladding. The bumper design raises the approach angle to help provide underbody protection, while light bars have been inset into the bumper and mounted on the roof. Changes to the interior include plaid inserts in the seats.
