Skip to main content

VW’s Atlas Weekend Edition concept is an accessories brochure on four wheels

Volkswagen is encouraging motorists to explore the great outdoors with a concept called the Atlas Weekend Edition that’s geared-up for adventure. As its name implies, the SUV is based on the brand new 2018 Atlas that will go on sale in the coming months.

At first glance, the Weekend Edition looks like a regular Atlas SEL Premium that has been decked out with an array of accessories. And that’s exactly what it is. It showcases some of the accessories designed for Volkswagen’s biggest model, while channeling the legacy of emblematic camper vans like the original Bus and the Vanagon.

One of the most versatile add-ons is a modular cargo box mounted on a roof rack. The box is sleek and thin when it’s empty, but it can expand into a large, 17.7-cubic foot container when additional storage space is needed. Mud flaps, hood and window deflectors, and a LED light bar integrated into the grille complete the outdoorsy transformation.

The front seats are equipped with universal tablet mounts so the passengers riding in the second row stay entertained on long drives. A purpose-designed barrier keeps pets in the trunk, while all-weather floor mats keep mud and slush off the carpet. In-car Wi-Fi ensures the occupants — including the tablet-wielding young ones in the back — stay connected while on the go.

The Atlas Weekend Edition is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and about 260 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder spins all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

Sorry, weekend warriors, but the Weekend Edition likely won’t be available as a stand-alone trim level when the Atlas arrives in showrooms in the spring. However, customers will be able to purchase most of the road trip-friendly add-ons detailed above separately from Volkswagen’s catalog of accessories.

Editors' Recommendations

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
There’s a huge Black Friday sale on Thule roof cargo boxes
thule rooftop cargo boxes deals amazon november 2023 box on car

It's almost winter, which means snowy day trips and skiing, and if you pack your whole family inside one vehicle, it can be difficult to get the rest of your critical belongings (such as bikes and kayaks) to your destination. In theory, you could buy a larger car. Many families get a minivan for the explicit purpose of relieving this kind of pressure. But that's pretty extreme when you could simply expand the storage space of your current car. And with Black Friday sales like this one, putting dozens of Thule rooftop cargo boxes on big discounts, now is a good time to consider doing so. We're seeing deals were you could save $100 (or even more) or Thule rooftop cargo boxes and accessories. Just tap the button below to access the curated collection, then keep reading for our take in how to shop the sale.

Why you should shop the Thule rooftop cargo box sale
One of the first things we want you to know before you shop the Thule collection is some features that aren't immediately apparent just by looking at the cargo boxes. For example, you may be highly concerned about driving off and having your belongings (including embarrassing items like underwear) go everywhere because the box flies open. Thule boxes, however, typically snap shut with an audible click. You know your items are secure. Alternatively, items like their

Read more
Honda recalls more than 300,000 vehicles over seat belt safety issue
2015 Honda Accord Sport

Honda has recalled more than 300,000 of its 2023-2024 HR-Vs and Accords over a safety issue, according to a document posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue concerns a missing seat belt part, which means that in the event of a crash, the belt “will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury,” the NHTSA said.

Read more
How to watch Tesla’s Cybertruck delivery event today
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

It’s been a long time coming, but Tesla is about to deliver the Cybertruck to its first customers.

Read more