Volkswagen reveals its special Atlas Weekender Edition

by Keith Morgan on Sunday, February 26th, 2017

The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas that will hit dealerships this Spring was designed to let people live a life as big as their imaginations, says the manufacturer. 

At the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen demonstrated how it can be enhanced with smart accessories in a new concept, the Atlas Weekend Edition.

 

 

Volkswagen hopes enthusiasts may appreciate the throwback to the ‘Weekender’ packages offered on the classic Vanagon and Eurovan pop-up camper models. The Atlas Weekend Edition integrates several available accessories that enhance the Chattanooga-built SUV’s versatility with innovative cargo solutions.  

The concept is based on an SEL Premium model, equipped with a 3.6-litre VR6 engine making 276 hp and an eight-speed transmission, paired with Volkswagen’s advanced 4Motion all-wheel drive with Drive Mode Select.

Riding on 18-inch Prisma wheels finished in a custom anthracite gray, the special edition features a modern variation of the pop-up roof—the Urban Loader cargo box. When empty, the Urban Loader offers a sleek, minimized appearance; when needed for hauling, it can expand to a 17.7 cubic-foot container. In addition, the Weekend Edition features base carrier bars for attaching accessories for skis, snowboards, kayaks or bikes. Reaching the extra roof storage or helping small children into the vehicle is easy with practical side steps.

Inside, a robust cargo divider provides a safe, pet-friendly barrier behind the second row, so that pets can ride in comfort. The second row also features an innovative universal tablet mount that allows passengers to bring any popular variety of touchscreen tablet along for a getaway. The design provides easy access to the home button on the most common models, and the tablets can use the available Media Control feature using Wi-Fi technology for Android and iOS tablets and smartphones.

Other Volkswagen accessories built into the concept include window and hood deflectors, a heavy-duty trunk liner with seat-back coverage, a privacy cargo cover, all-weather rubber mats, splashguards, and wheel locks. Many of these accessories will be available from Volkswagen dealers when the Atlas goes on sale in Spring 2017.

VW teams with LEGO to tell a family story in bricks

by Keith Morgan on Sunday, February 26th, 2017

Volkswagen has reimagined VW’s adventurous spirit through a custom-built display made of more than 20,000 LEGO bricks. 

Making its debut at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, the 2 foot by 3.5 foot display highlights the evolution of Volkswagen design and the journey of VW vehicles with families through the decades.

 

 

The VW journey is set against a landscape that transitions from city life to outdoor scenery. A beloved VW Microbus takes drivers back to the family camping trips of yesteryear, while the new Atlas stands ready to transport the modern family through new terrain.  

Like the original Microbus, the LEGO interpretation has a two-tone exterior, built with blue and white LEGO bricks. The replica stays true to the iconic model of the 60s with a distinctive “V-shaped” front fascia design, rounded headlamps, silver round side-view mirrors, silver baby moon hubcaps, a curved bumper in white, and a bold VW badge, placed front and center.

Made up of white LEGO bricks, the Atlas model highlights the seven-passenger capacity and utility of the actual vehicle. The model features a characteristic grille, accessorized black rims, roof rails, a rugged trailer hitch for hauling needs and unmistakable front and rear VW badges.

The 2018 Atlas goes on sale later this year.

keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca