German automaker Volkswagen has just unveiled its largest crossover SUV. The Atlas will be built at Volkswagen's US plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This is amidst the ongoing diesel emission lawsuits that the company is currently facing in the country.
Volkswagen's Biggest And Boldest Crossover SUV
The seven-passenger and three-row Atlas is 16.5 feet long. According to the USA Today, it's bigger than Volkswagen's Touareg SUV. The automaker plans to launch it next year. Atlas might also be exported to markets where SUVs are popular.
Volkswagen North America CEO Hinrich Woebcken said that the Atlas will help the automaker to enter the heart of the American market. This can be in connection with the recent debacle that Volkswagen is dealing with in the US.
Woebcken boasts the Atlas as the biggest and boldest Volkswagen they have ever built in the country. It shows Volkswagen's signature distinctive design and craftsmanship.
According to CNET, customers have an option between a 2-liter turbo engine for 238 horsepower and a 3.6-liter for 280 horsepower. The engines will have the 8-speed automatic transmission. Apparently, the Atlas has four driving modes: snow, off-road, sport and custom.
With regards to its features, Atlas also got it covered with an adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and park assist. It is also equipped with the first in class post-collision braking. This will restrain additional collisions after the initial impact.
CNET further reports that the cabin has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. It also has its own version of virtual cockpit with a customizable digital gauge cluster.
Volkswagen On Going Diesel Emission Debacle
Volkswagen's Atlas will have to compete against other SUVs by other automakers such as Ford, GM and Toyota. The automaker also has to earn back the trust of US customers to their brand.
US District Judge Charles Beyer in San Francisco has recently approved a $14.7 billion settlement with California regulators and consumers. There's a total of 17 US states that had filed lawsuits against Volkswagen on cheating diesel emission.
It's not only the amount of money the automaker has to spend. There were also thousands of affected vehicle owners.
