Volkswagen has unveiled a rough and tumble Taos Basecamp concept. Designed to promote the company’s latest crossover and preview an upcoming styling package, the concept is a rugged off-roader that was conceived by the Volkswagen Design Team in Oxnard, California.
In order to look the part, the Taos
Basecamp has been equipped with silver skid plates, extended fender flares and
rugged side skirts. The concept also features a matte black hood and roof, as
well as orange accents and a Thule Canyon XT roof basket with LED auxiliary
lights.
To improve the crossover’s off-road
prowess, designers equipped the vehicle with a lifted suspension from H&R
Special Springs. The concept also rides on custom fifteen52 wheels which are
wrapped in meaty Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires. Interior changes are minor,
but include a custom cargo divider from the Polytec Group. It features a mesh
design that enables drivers to store equipment – such as rock climbing gear –
with carabiners.
While the concept isn’t going into
production, the company confirmed plans for a Basecamp styling package.
Volkswagen didn’t go into many specifics, but it will feature aggressive fender
flares, unique side skirts and Basecamp badging.
As a refresher, the 2022 Taos starts at US$ 22,995 and will go on sale in the United States in June. It features a
turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 158 hp and 249 Nm of torque. Front-wheel drive variants are equipped
with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive models have a
seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
