The Volkswagen Atlas GT Concept is a big and blue 'hot hatch'

Volkswagen of America unveiled its latest enthusiast build for 2021, the Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept.

Using an Atlas R-Line as its base, the GT Concept took several months to create by Volkswagen enthusiast Jamie Orr. 

Under the Atlas GT's hood resides a two-liter turbo engine from the new Golf R hot hatchback, with an addition of a front-mounted radiator from a previous-generation Golf R to generate more than 300hp.

A seven-​speed DSG automatic transmission is then paired with the standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system to handle the extra power.

The build sits on top of 22-inch ABT Sport Aerowheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires, and ST Suspension coilovers with color-matched GT Concept-branded springs.

Inside the wheels are Tarox eight-piston front brakes, while outside the car, a gloss black exterior trim replaces the existing chrome finishes. In addition, custom GT badging is integrated throughout the vehicle.

Moving on to the interior of the Atlas GT Concept, there are four Recaro individual seats, and seatbelts and floor mats with shades of Eisvogelblau, which translates to Kingfisher Blue and is available on select Volkswagen products in Europe.

A rear center console follows the design language of the front console. Inside the storage compartment are additional USB charging ports. All of the modified interior materials are non-animal based, VW boasted. 

 

The concept's blue paint job was hand-painted by Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA production team.

“The launch of the all-new Golf GTI and Golf R got us thinking about how to inject some of that VW magic into our SUVs,” CEO of Volkswagen of America Scott Keogh said. 

“This concept is proof that it’s possible to build SUVs that could appeal to our performance enthusiast base,” he added. 

“I have had the opportunity to drive standard production Atlas Cross Sport vehicles in a variety of different conditions and environments, which has proven to me what a capable platform it is,“ Orr described. 

“The production model has excellent acceleration, braking, and handling for its size, but I knew we could build a car that could maximize its potential and live up to the GT name

“It’s been a lot of fun creating this concept,” the enthusiast expressed. “Hopefully, it’ll get a smile out of people.”

After being presented to the Volkswagen Chattanooga production team by Scott Keogh and Jamie Orr, the Atlas GT Concept will appear at events across the USA later this year.

Photos from Volkswagen of America

Also read:

VW US bids farewell to the Passat with a limited-edition model

Volkswagen Taos Basecamp Concept equipped to take on tough terrain

Will Volkswagen PH source more units from Germany?