VW Atlas Tanoak Concept

[rmc523]

 

 

 

The design is less weird. It's basically a normal Atlas crossover SUV up to the B-pillar. Volkswagen then lengthened the MQB platform to accommodate both the rear doors and a bed that's a bit over 5 feet long. Basically, VW borrowed from Honda's Ridgeline playbook. In total, the Atlas Tanoak is nearly 16 inches longer than a normal Atlas. VW did make some tweaks to the styling up front, including the new grille with big embossed "ATLAS" name below, new lights, taller hood, and some off-road equipment. It has skid plates, tow hooks and a winch, too. The bed also gets a sliding rail for carrying items over the roof similar to the Ram Macho Power Wagon concept and the Mopar accessory rack system for the new Ram 1500. The Tanoak has plenty of ground clearance too at a total of 10 inches.

Powering the truck is the same 276-horsepower narrow-angle VR6 engine that also makes 266 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to all four wheels, and Volkswagen says it should be able to hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Off the pavement, the Tanoak takes advantage of two unique additions. There's a variety of settings for different types of terrain, and when things get really tough, there's a low-range setting for the transmission.

[akirby]

So it’s a VW Ridgeline?

[silvrsvt]

Outside of that awful looking black line going down the C-pillar-I kinda dig it.

[bzcat]

I like it... a lot!

 

The midsize pickup market is going to get very crowded very soon if VW and Hyundai both go ahead with their CUV based pickup trucks.

[sullynd]

Thats pretty sharp. Better than ridgeline. Ill never own another VW though.

[atomcat68]

Wow, and I thought the pick up reveal was a new Amarok for the American market. That looks sporty, but agree with the Ridgeline comment that it is not a real truck... but it is probably enough truck for many, and a much nicer truck alternative than the Ridgeline.