Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp Concept Peddles Mountain-Biking Brio
Looks like: An Atlas driven by someone who uses “brah” unironically
Defining characteristics: Chunky all-terrain tires, giant roof rack and LED light bars, required-by-law matte paint
Ridiculous features: Hive EX expedition trailer with matching wheels, the entire aesthetic tbh
Chance of being mass-produced: None, but between aftermarket suppliers and official VW parts, you could make your own if you wanted to pay a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon price for a fraction of the capability
Volkswagen is taking the Atlas — Cars.com’s Best of 2018 winner — to new and ludicrous heights with the Atlas Basecamp Concept, debuting next week at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Inspired by endurance mountain biking, the Atlas Basecamp showcases a number of aftermarket parts available for the Atlas along with some custom parts — all designed to take your Atlas to places a stock Atlas wouldn’t normally go.
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Shop the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas near you
VW started with an Atlas SEL Premium model with all-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, painting it in matte Platinum Gray and Black Uni, and giving it orange accents across the grille and side mirrors. The grille also has a little “Basecamp” logo.
The Atlas Basecamp adds a 1.5-inch lift kit from H&R, a body kit from Air Design and custom one-off wheels from fifteen52 that VW says, “are expected go into series production at fifteen52 this fall.” The wheels wear 265/70R17 all-terrain tires. The Basecamp still has side steps, however, that likely reduce any ground clearance benefit from the lift (and probably don’t double as rock rails).
On top of the Basecamp there’s a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack with bicycle holders, as well as LED light bars front and rear. The concept also tows a Hive EX expedition trailer with matching wheels that includes a queen bed, canopy and kitchenette with stove, sink and combination fridge/freezer.
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- I Lived in a Volkswagen Atlas Down by the River!
Look, you can do this to your own Atlas if you want, I guess, but it seems pretty … um, pointless? It won’t match any number of other SUVs for off-road ability, some of those straight from the factory and probably less expensive than the sum total of the Atlas, parts and labor. And don’t forget that adding all this stuff to an Atlas will only reduce its fuel economy even more.
The Atlas Basecamp will debut in New York next week, where we’ll be to bring you all the latest automotive news, so check back often. The Atlas Basecamp also will be on display at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association show in Las Vegas in November.
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