Volkswagen
introduced the Atlas Cross Sport concept at the New York Auto Show earlier this
year and a prototype of the production model has been spotted in China.
Spotted by China’s
Autohome, the pictures reveal the production model will closely echo the
concept as the only noticeable changes are a more conservative rear bumper and
door handles which are now located above the character line rather than
integrated into it. The taillights have also been modified as they now extend
further into the tailgate before tapering off.
While the changes
are relatively minor, the model is still recognizable as an Atlas as it features
squared off wheel arches and plastic body cladding. The model also features an
angular rear pillar which effectively makes the Atlas Cross Sport a mainstream
version of the Audi Q8.
Volkswagen has
already announced the Atlas Cross Sport will go into production next year and
be built at the company’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will be made
alongside the standard Atlas and the North American Passat.
While the concept
featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, that consisted of a 3.6-liter V6 engine
and two electric motors, the production model is expected to share engine
options with the standard Atlas. We can expect an entry-level
model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp and 349 Nm of torque. The base
version of the Atlas Cross Sport could be available exclusively with
front-wheel drive.
Of course, we can
also expect a 3.6-liter VR6 engine that develops 276 hp and 360 Nm of torque. It should be paired to an eight-speed automatic
transmission which can be connected to either a front- or optional all-wheel
drive system. Pricing remains unconfirmed, but the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport
should slot between the US$ 24,295 Tiguan and US$ 30,895 Atlas.
