Based mostly on the next-generation Amarok platform, Volkswagen’s new seven-seat SUV might problem Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour
Volkswagen has watched rivals resembling Toyota, Ford and Isuzu obtain appreciable success with rugged, ladder-frame SUVs derived from pickup vehicles. Regardless of having Amarok in its portfolio, Volkswagen has by no means provided a manufacturing seven-seat SUV based mostly on the pickup.
Nonetheless, the concept is just not solely new. Volkswagen Industrial Automobiles beforehand developed a one-off seven-seat SUV based mostly on Amarok. It by no means progressed past the prototype stage, though the car reportedly stays inside Volkswagen’s inner assortment.
Volkswagen is now revisiting the idea as a part of its product expansion in South America. Internally often called Projeto Atacama, the brand new seven-seat SUV might turn out to be the model’s regionally produced flagship. Studies point out that it has already been offered to Volkswagen sellers in Brazil.
New Volkswagen SUV – Projeto Atacama
The upcoming SUV and next-generation Amarok will reportedly be developed on the Star Bridge structure, originating from Volkswagen’s collaboration with SAIC. This platform is already utilized by the SAIC Maxus Interstellar X pickup in China.
The Interstellar X measures round 5,500 mm in size and has a wheelbase of roughly 3,300 mm. Volkswagen has not confirmed the size of its SUV, however its proportions could possibly be broadly comparable.
If the three,300 mm wheelbase is retained, the Volkswagen SUV may have a vital dimensional benefit over its major rivals. Toyota SW4, often called Fortuner in a number of markets, has a wheelbase of two,790 mm. GWM Haval H9 has a wheelbase of two,850 mm.
This implies the brand new Volkswagen might have a wheelbase round 40–50 cm longer than its closest rivals. Such dimensions ought to enable Volkswagen to supply extra cabin area, improved third-row legroom and a bigger baggage space. Nonetheless, an SUV physique could require totally different proportions from the Interstellar X pickup. Closing dimensions and seating specs will turn out to be clear nearer to its official unveiling.
Not A Rebadged SAIC Maxus
Though Volkswagen will utilise the Star Bridge structure, its new SUV is just not anticipated to be a badge-engineered model of the Maxus Interstellar X. Volkswagen is prone to introduce a particular exterior design, distinctive inside and model-specific chassis tuning. The suspension may also need to be recalibrated to stability off-road functionality with the trip consolation anticipated from a family-focused seven-seat SUV.
The manufacturing mannequin might share parts with the next-generation Amarok, serving to Volkswagen cut back improvement and manufacturing prices. This relationship also needs to give the SUV the towing, payload and rough-road capabilities typically related to ladder-frame automobiles.
Plug-In Hybrid May Produce 800 Nm
Probably the most vital differentiator could possibly be the powertrain. Increased variants of the SUV are anticipated to obtain a high-performance plug-in-hybrid system associated to the one being developed for the next-generation Amarok.
Studies have referred to a potential Amarok 800 TSI variant, with the quantity indicating torque output of round 800 Nm. Mixed energy output might exceed 470 hp, with four-wheel drive provided as normal. The electrified pickup might speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 5 seconds.
A associated model of this powertrain could possibly be provided with Projeto Atacama. If these figures attain manufacturing, Volkswagen’s SUV would have a considerable efficiency benefit over its diesel-powered rivals. Toyota Fortuner makes use of a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine producing 204 hp and 500 Nm. GWM Haval H9 is accessible with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing roughly 184 hp and 480 Nm.
With greater than 470 hp and round 800 Nm, Volkswagen’s upcoming mannequin might emerge as one in all Brazil’s strongest off-road-capable seven-seat SUVs. An electrical motor also needs to present instant low-speed torque, which may benefit towing and off-road driving.
Volkswagen’s New South American Flagship
Volkswagen has been engaged on a number of new merchandise to strengthen its place in Brazil and different Latin American markets. These embrace the not too long ago revealed Tukan compact pickup, next-generation Amarok and the brand new Projeto Atacama SUV. The massive SUV will primarily problem Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour (Everest) and GWM Haval H9. Relying on its positioning and worth, it might additionally appeal to consumers contemplating dearer premium seven-seat SUVs.
Volkswagen has not formally revealed the manufacturing design, specs or launch timeline. Nonetheless, the reported seller presentation means that improvement has progressed past an early feasibility research.
