An All-American Design: The Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen of Tucson

 

Volkswagen engineers claim the new VW Atlas “boldest ever.”

After more than four years of design and refinement, Volkswagen recently debuted the all-new Volkswagen Atlas, an SUV designed for America and the American family from it’s inception. Volkswagen recently posted an interview with some of the VW Atlas designers to see what exactly went into each step of the process that brought this model to life.

“We had several goals with this car,” said Elmar Licharz, responsible manager for the Mid- and Fullsize Product Line at Volkswagen passenger cars. “We wanted to combine Volkswagen’s specific strengths with the American market needs, and build a vehicle for an active family that needs space, with seven seats. It’s built in the U.S., for the U.S., and it’s specifically tailored for this market.”

While Volkswagen is definitely going through a bit of a change as of late, these designers were asked what sets the new VW Atlas apart from other SUVs that make up a saturated faction of the automotive industry.

“Inside the car, the seven-seat midsize SUV provides roominess which is among the best in class,” Licharz went on to say. “We have a full-fledged group of available driver assistance features. People who drive Volkswagen vehicles really want a car that’s fun to drive, from the feedback you get from the road to the sounds the doors make when you close them. The Atlas feels like a premium car, but at a price not seen in this segment from premium players. You get a very good deal, and we will be able to win a lot of customers from the competition, because we can deliver the same musts, like speed and horsepower, which we can combine with specific strengths at Volkswagen.”

The main aspect of the new VW Atlas that is standing out actually comes from a branding standpoint, as Volkswagen designed the new Atlas with the American market in mind. This market is a place where VW has had success, but has faltered lately with recent scandals.

“We want to create a sustainable design that stands the test of time,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design. “We want to be very precise, very logical and holistic. We want to create an outstanding character that’s bold in the market, so you immediately recognize that’s a new midsize SUV from Volkswagen. The SUV, it’s a hallmark of freedom in a certain way. You can go almost anywhere, you can just get your family and your belongings and go. It’s a machine that delivers freedom.”

To learn more about the all new Volkswagen Atlas, click here!

To learn more about Volkswagen of Tucson, VW in general, or to take a test drive, visit VwOfTucson.com, call us at (888) 247-2358 or stop by the dealership, located at 900 W AutoMall Drive in Tucson!

 

Volkswagen I.D. Electric Concept Makes Debut at Paris Motor Show | Larry H. Miller VW Tucson!

The I.D. concept car is the first Volkswagen which will be built on the Modular Electric Drive kit. It goes on sale in 2020, and is said to have a range of up to 373 miles!

In an attempt to help drivers and auto consumers forget about the past, Volkswagen set its sites on the future by debuting the Volkswagen I.D. Electric Concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The concept is still in initial design phases now, but should be available in 2020.

“Before we first put pen to paper for the I.D. project, we debated the topic of ‘Mobility in the future’ at length,” says Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design, Volkswagen Brand. “It is clear that the car of the future, and thus the mobile space, will be a place of communication more than ever before. The Open Space in the I.D. is just such a place.”

With hybrid cars setting the stage, Volkswagen is looking to lead the race to clean energy in the automotive industry. The brand plans on making the I.D. Electric concept capable of reaching up to 373 miles on a single battery charge. However, that number could increase as technology advances in the upcoming years.

“The electric powertrain gives our designers far greater freedom. We have shrunk the cooling grilles to a minimum, shifted the axles far outwards and created breathtaking proportions, as demonstrated by the I.D. —an icon of the future. We had the unique opportunity to guide Volkswagen into a new era, and with the I.D we have taken this opportunity.”

In addition to debuting the I.D. Electric Concept, VW officials also laid out their 10-year plan for the future. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the announcement that the automotive brand planned on converting all new models to be capable of autonomous driving.

Learn more about the I.D. Electric Concept by clicking here!

From your initial auto search online until you drive off of our lot in your new or pre-owned vehicle, Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson is excited to be your preferred auto partner! See our entire inventory of new VW by clicking here!