Volkswagen’s US division builds an SUV called the Atlas. It’s bigger than a Tiguan but not quite a Touareg, and it’s also available in a coupe-like ‘Sport Cross’ body style. It’s the latter version that forms the basis of this new concept car, called the Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept.
As the latest enthusiast build to come out of Volkswagen USA, the vehicle features low-riding suspension, massive rims, motorsport-inspired cabin and a modified 2-litre TSI engine.
“The launch of the all-new Golf GTI and Golf R got us thinking about how to inject some of that VW magic into our SUVs,” said Volkswagen’s American region CEO Scott Keogh. “This concept is proof that it’s possible to build SUVs that could appeal to our performance enthusiast base.”
Modified by Volkswagen enthusiast Jamie Orr, the Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept features 22-inch ABT Sport HR Aero wheels, as well as ST Suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers, Tarox eight-piston front brakes, while the usual chrome exterior trimmings make way for gloss black.
The concept is powered by a modified version of the familiar EA888 2,0-litre TSI turbopetrol engine. Featuring an IS38 turbocharger as well as an additional front-mounted radiator from a Golf 7 R, the engine produces “more than” 225 kW, Volkswagen says, which is a good 50 kW more than the standard Atlas 2,0 TSI. Interestingly the Atlas is also available with a 206 kW 3,6-litre VR6 engine.
The Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept’s interior has been heavily modified too, and includes four Recaro Sportster CS bucket seats, so that back seat occupants can also get to feel like they’re in a race car. The removal of the rear bench also created space for a one-of-a-kind rear centre console, which includes a convenience safe and additional USB charging points.
“It’s been a lot of fun creating this concept,” Orr said. “Hopefully, it’ll get a smile out of people.”
Although we will likely never see the Volkswagen Atlas range in South Africa, wouldn’t these mods just look great on a Tiguan?
