Following the New York Motor Show debut of the Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp Concept last year, the company has applied for registration of the trademark ‘Basecamp’, a sure sign that the SUV may be underway to the mass market.
VW originally introduced the Basecamp merely as a more off-road-capable variant of the Atlas seven-seater. To that end, the SUV received Traverse MX Concept tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, an H&R lift kit for 1.5 inches (38mm) of added suspension travel, more lighting, and a roof rack. It hauled its own trailer attachment with a queen-size bed, a kitchenette, a propane tank, and fresh water storage.
A 3.6-liter VR6 occupied the engine bay, delivering up to 276 hp (206 kW) to both axles via an eight-speed auto transmission.