Volkswagen is looking to expand its pickup truck footprint with the new Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept that was unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It will also be the first pickup truck to be based on the groups Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.
The concept car measures at 5,438 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width and 1,844 mm in height while its dual-cab cargo box takes up 1,627 mm in length, 1,450 in width and 530 mm in height. The cargo box has been designed to transport bikes, boards and smaller boats to cater to the adventurous lifestyle of its target audience.
Like most of Volkswagen’s concept cars, the Atlas Tanoak features a sophisticated lighting signature. Other design cues include plastic moulding familiar to pickup trucks, narrow rear doors with hidden door handles and a sporty bumper to boot. However, the production version of the Atlas Tanoak will most likely share its design cues as the Atlas SUV, the car it is derived from.
Inside, the Atlas Tanoak appears to feature a cabin design similar to modern Volkswagen models – Active Info Display LCD instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system are all familiar items. We can count on Volkswagen to introduce a few purposeful design touches for the pickup truck to cater to the customers’ intended use of the car.
The company also revealed the potential engine choice, a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 FSI engine pushing out 276 hp and 350 Nm of twisting force paired o an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drive is deployed to all four corners courtesy of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
At the moment, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak will be developed exclusively for the US market and will not be a direct replacement for the Amarok pickup truck. Although we can look forward to the Amarok’s replacement have its design and technology inspired by the Atlas Tanoak.
IMAGE GALLERY
