Volkswagen Atlas Weekend Edition concept revealed at Chicago

The Volkswagen Atlas Weekend Edition concept car will be revealed at the Chicago Auto Show this weekend.

The concept is based on the SEL Premium version of the US-only (for now) VW Atlas, a three-row SUV, but demonstrates how the wagon can be enhanced by modification and accessories. Like the SEL Premium, the Weekend Edition concept features a 276hp, 2.6-litre VR6 engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system with Drive Mode Select.

However, in a bid to demonstrate how the crossover can contribute to new car buyers’ active lifestyle, VW has bolted on a range of accessories, like the Urban Loader – a hard-shell soft-edged cargo carrier that expends to 17.7 cubic feet. This sits atop roof racks so buyers can attach skis, kayaks or bikes. An LED light bar is also integrated into the front grille for extra illumination at night.

Inside, the Atlas includes a pet-friendly cargo divider behind the second row so fur-babies can join in on family getaways.

A tablet mount is featured in the second row and will fit any touchscreen tablet and smartphone so passengers can be entertained regardless of whether they belong to team Android or team Apple. Those devices can also be controlled by the Media Control feature in the Atlas concept.

The Atlas Weekend Edition is a concept only and not intended for production, and is intended to merely be an example of how the Atlas can be modified and used. Other accessories that also appear in the concept include window and hood deflectors, a heavy-duty trunk liner with seat-back coverage, a privacy cargo cover, all-weather rubber mats, splash guards and wheel locks, which Volkswagen US said many will be available from dealers in the new Atlas due to be released in the US in Spring.

The seven-seater Volkswagen Atlas SUV is so far only set to be built in right-hand drive form primarily for the US market, but as WhichCar reported last month it could eventually find its way to Australian shores, as a bigger brother to its seven-seater sibling, the Tiguan Allspace (a larger version of the current Tiguan) which is due to arrive early next year.