Friday 12th April 2019

Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp Concept revealed

A rugged take on VW's US-focussed SUV designed for mountain bikers

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Volkswagen has revealed a more rugged take on its Atlas SUV ahead of a public debut at the New York motor show next week. The concept has been designed for mountain bikers as a vehicle to transport them deep into the American wilderness, gaining off-road enhancements and extra hardware so it can carry all the equipment VW believes is needed to support pedal-power enthusiasts who like to get muddy.

Added to the Atlas Basecamp Concept is a suspension lift kit - of course - that boosts ground clearance by a further 38mm, all-terrain tyres to deal with difficult surfaces and a roof rack to hold the bikes in place. There's also an LED light bar to provide illumination away from civilisation, while a beefed-up bodykit should help to scare off any bears the Atlas may encounter. The concept wears a matte grey and black skin to complete its toughened look.

Under the bonnet is VW's 3.6-litre VR6 engine, producing 280hp and powering all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic 'box. It's a setup that's shared with the regular Atlas in America; the five-metre-long SUV also comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol that produces 235hp. As its burly name suggests, the Atlas is a US-focussed model that won't come to Britain - which means there's practically zero chance that something resembling the Basecamp Concept will ever make it here. Boo.

[mrclav]

Well... it certainly look fit for purpose.

[okenemem]

looks ok

[cognac1979]

Looks like an expensive way to go mountain biking! I'll stick to chucking my bike in the Caddy. Looks cool though.

[drpep]

280hp to move that massive hunk of crap? No thanks. I'd say it needs 350hp MINIMUM, and probably the same lb-ft of torque to be half useful. Pass.

[drpep]

America just does a better job building these big utilitarian things. Bet the parts are priced like gold teeth too.

[mikey P 500]

In florida currently and the atlas is very common. They look fairly large (audi Q9 size at a guess) so would be too large for vw brand in the UK I would guess.

[BlackPrince]

that looks ace, though it is a ridiculous way to carry bicycles and will likely never be made. Would be great for the zombie apocalypse though

[Andeh1]

Any product which needs a seperate, yet equally prominent, "enhancer" product within the advert to help sell it fails instantly. That trailer looks 5x cooler then the damn truck.

Though Atlas is a good name.

Edited by Andeh1 on Saturday 13th April 07:01

[NAS]

There's a guy a few miles from me who imported one into Germany, in yellow.

Like this:



It's a shame it isn't offered in Europe. In the flesh it's very cool.

[lufbramatt]

Well they've missed the point there. Although the trailer does look kinda cool in a Mad Max way.

Toyota Tundra/Tacoma appears to be the vehicle of choice for US mountain bikers. Can get 4-5 bikes in the bed without having to lift them on to the roof (modern "enduro" bikes are quite heavy) and still have seating for 4-5 riders in the cab.

[binnerboy]

what is the thing it is towing ?

looks interesting

[mojitomax]

binnerboy said:

what is the thing it is towing ?

looks interesting

It’s a camper trailer.

I Didn’t know they existed until I moved to Oz. They’re really popular here and kitted out with off road suspension and a hitch with massive articulation for outback tracks.

Very very cool bits of kit