When we talk about the “potential” of a SUV, we are probably looking how many people it can carry and/or how much cargo space it had, or perhaps how it could be turned into a base camp. Volkswagen has a very different idea, though.
The German automaker has given a 2021 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line some serious modifications, turning it what it calls Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept. The goal? To show the sporty potential of the 5-seater SUV.
Fresh styling updates and a unique color palette, a new color called Eisvogelblau or Kingfisher Blue, was applied, along with a host of upgrades including lowered suspension, custom wheels and more.
Under the hood, it gets a modified version of the EA888 2.0L TSI engine found on the Golf R, paired to an IS38 turbo and an additional front-mounted radiator from a Mk7 Golf R, that now produces over 300 horses.
The new found power are put to good use on all four wheels through 4Motion all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
In case anyone’s interested to know, the custom wheels are 22-inch ABT Sport AEROWHEELs wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V105 UHP 285/35R22 tires.
Meanwhile the suspension are ST Suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers with color-match GT Concept-branded springs. Handling is further bolstered by TAROX eight-piston front brakes.
The customization continues on the inside with same eye-catching Eisvogelblau or Kingfisher Blue found across its bespoke RECARO Sportster CS seats, gear shift, and safety belts. Also present is a one-of-a-kind rear center console.
Further distinguishing it from regular Atlas Cross Sport are concept gloss black exterior trim which replaces current chrome finishes and custom GT badging throughout the vehicle.
No words if the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept will be an actual car money can buy, or it is merely a marketing campaign to promote the Chattanooga-assembled Atlas.
All images courtesy of Volkswagen.
