VW will showcase the Atlas Basecamp Concept at this
year’s New York Auto Show, as well as the 2019 SEMA Show, the latter actually
being a more appropriate venue seen as how this is a heavily-modified SUV.
The Atlas Basecamp Concept was thought up by VW
design exec and avid cyclist, Axel Earle, who wanted to turn the people hauler
into something that would enable endurance mountain bike enthusiasts to get
around more easily, regardless of terrain conditions.
The Basecamp Concept is based on the Atlas SEL
Premium spec, which comes standard with a 3.6-liter VR6 engine, good for 276
HP. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel
drive, aiding the fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels wrapped in 265/70R17
all-terrain tires. These wheels are expected to go into series production this
fall.
Visually, this concept boasts a Platinum Gray and
Black Uni matte finish with orange accents, a custom body kit by Air Design, an
H&R lift kit with coil over springs that raise the height by 3.8 cm, a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack system with bike holders,
off-road LED light bars front and rear, as well as protective interior add-ons
courtesy of Volkswagen Accessories.
As for what it’s towing, that’s the off-road capable
HIVE EX compact expedition trailer, which is equipped with a queen-size bed,
pullout canopy and a kitchenette – complete with a stove, sink and a
refrigerator/freezer operating on an optional 12-volt battery. Other features
include the self-contained water tank, propane tank, portable toilet, hot
shower and removable leveling jacks.
