Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept is the first pickup truck to be based on the MQB platform; uses a 3.6-litre V6 engine making 276 hp and 360 Nm
The ongoing 2018 New York International Auto Show has surprised everyone with a number of exhilarating debuts and one of the most highlighting pavilions belongs to Volkswagen. The German auto major has introduced a near-production compact five-seat crossover concept in the name of Atlas Cross Sport. It is accompanied by another derivative of the Atlas called Tanoak concept.
The alluring pickup concept has become a hit among show-goers and Volkswagen has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to put the model into production. Since it has received good response, the brand does not appear to be shrugging the possibility of the concept meeting manufacturing lines in the near future as pickup trucks contribute to big volume segments in the US.
Also Read: Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept Previews Compact Five-Seat SUV
Volkswagen could be waiting for the pickup truck concept’s global response as the regular Atlas is shipped to countries like Russia and the Middle East. If the overall reception is favourable, the Atlas Tanoak concept based production model could be sold in several markets across the globe to make for a complete business case.
If green lit for production, it will likely be manufactured at VW’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee. It will accompany the standard seven-seat Atlas as well as the compact five-seat Atlas based on the Cross Sport concept which is launching in 2019. The Volkswagen Tanoak concept is the first pickup to be based on the flexible MQB architecture and it could sit in the large midsize pickup category.
Also Read: All-New Volkswagen Touareg Debuts; Bigger, Lighter And More Powerful
The dual-cab, short-bed work horse comes equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 276 horsepower and 360 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all the four wheels. It is claimed to do zero to 96 kmph in 8.5 seconds.
The Tanoak has completely redesigned bodywork compared to the regular Atlas and gets a bold front fascia with new headlights and Daytime Running Lights, a new bumper, tall bonnet structure, a winch mounted in the middle, new grille with lighting display, etc. The rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillars and the rear fenders are flared enough. The rear features red LED strips and animated lighting.
The cabin can seat five occupants and the instrument cluster gains Digital Cockpit display and a big touchscreen infotainment system. The centre console has newly designed shifter grip and the ambient lighting is integrated into the instrument panel and roofline console.
Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept Images
