Starting next week, the automakers will display their best seduction techniques as they introduce a series of concepts, new production models and different variants at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. For its part, Volkswagen will unveil a five-seat version of its Atlas as well as an R-Line variant of the Arteon. These represent the company’s latest attempts to revive interest in its products among American consumers.
Atlas
The German automaker will be introducing a five-occupant variant of its Atlas SUV, the latest ot join the brand lineup. Like its 7-person sibling, the new edition was designed specifically for the North American market and will be assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Volkswagen’s press release includes a teaser image of the new Atlas variant that reveals a more sloped roof and a distinct fascia that help set the two versions apart. A useful comparison might be Hyundai’s Santa Fe, which is available in a few five-seat or seven-seat configurations.
Volkswagen points out that the model debuting in New York is still just a concept, but it’s clear it will be extremely close to production-ready.
Arteon R-Line
As for the Arteon, first unveiled in Chicago earlier this year, a new R-Line version of the new top-end sedan will be making its debut in New York. The R-Line will feature the same 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine (268 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) as all the Arteon iterations, and it will be wedded to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will have the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive powertrain.
No pricing has been announced for the R-Line edition, and we’ll probably have to wait until the end of summer to get it: this version is only expected at dealerships sometime in the fall of 2018.
