Herndon, VA (May 18, 2018) — With the summer enthusiast season just around the corner, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will unveil its enthusiast show concept fleet for 2018 at SOWO: The European Experience on Hutchinson Island, Savannah, Georgia, between May 17 and 20. Featuring five models from the brand lineup, these specially prepared show vehicles are inspired by the diverse design tastes of Volkswagen enthusiasts. Four of the concepts share a central fluorescent yellow theme to help them stand out.
2018 Golf R Abstract concept
Using a unique camouflage print wrap, the Abstract concept highlights the recently released 2018 Golf R with DCC and Navigation. The car rides on 20-inch FR design wheels in Mystic Black from ABT Sportsline and uses an H&R Springs Sport Spring system that lowers the vehicle by an inch. ABT Sportsline also outfitted the Golf R with side skirts and an uprated stainless steel performance quad-exhaust system with matte black chrome 4-inch exhaust tips, which gives the powerful Golf R concept an even more dynamic sound. The steering wheel has been upgraded to a BAK Performance Mk 7 custom carbon fiber wheel complete with Golf R blue stitching. The camo design takes cues from the robust urban street art of the Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL, where the North American office of ABT Sportsline is located.
2019 Jetta R-Line SoCal concept
In celebration of the launch of the seventh-generation Jetta, which lands in dealers this month, Volkswagen has been looking back on its predecessors for inspiration. The SoCal concept is a heritage-based design with modern accents. Taking inspiration from the Mk2 Jetta, the body graphics give a nod to the past while drawing attention to the strong vehicle design. Other visual highlights include fluorescent yellow mirror caps, a gloss black roof with geodesic fluorescent yellow design, and body-color wheels with yellow accents. SoCal-based wheel and automotive design company fifteen52 developed the overall concept, giving the car clean lines but with an aggressive stance. KW automotive developed a prototype ST XTA Coil Over system with adjustable top mounts to lower the ride height 3 inches to properly showcase the fifteen52 Formula GT 19- x 8.5-inch wheels. Additional design elements will be added later in the season.
2018 Tiguan R-Line Aero concept
The Volkswagen R-Line brand badging was the inspiration for the camouflage that wraps the Aero concept. Air Lift Performance installed its 3P Air Management System with Performance Series front and rear struts, lowering the vehicle ride height up to 4.8 inches, giving this Tiguan concept the most aggressive attitude of the show fleet lineup. Powder-coated, matte black Rotiform 20-inch Monoblock CCV wheels help balance the busy nature of the livery. A Thule Motion XT Alpine rooftop carrier, wrapped with the same design scheme, rides on a Thule AeroBlade Edge roof rack system.
2019 Arteon R-Line Highlight concept
The 2019 Arteon lands in the United States later this year. The European enthusiast community has already recognized the potential of the sleek, coupe-like design and wide, planted stance to make a statement on the show field. Vossen Wheels has clad the Arteon R-Line Highlight concept with its latest release, the Hybrid Forged HF-2, measuring 20 x 9.5 inches front and rear, while a prototype set of Ultra Low Coil Overs from H&R Springs drops the ride height by almost three inches. The Arteon concept has an ultra-fluorescent yellow wrap that accentuates its gloss black and chrome R-Line accents.
2018 Atlas Tanner Foust SEMA concept
“Overlanding has risen in popularity in the past couple of years,” said Tanner Foust. “People are looking for ways to get outdoors and go on adventure trips with the whole family. The Atlas is perfect for off-pavement trips, and I wanted this concept to enhance the vehicle’s capabilities while still maintaining its utility and VW DNA.”
Large tires and off-road wheels compliment the extended fenders and lower body panel cladding to give the vehicle an extreme off-road look. The bumper design raises the approach angle to help provide underbody protection. Light bars inset into the bumper and mounted on the roof illuminate the night for backcountry camping trips, while the roof rack with access ladder make sure there’s even more room inside for the whole family. Minimal changes to the interior include plaid inserts in the seats that are reminiscent of Volkswagen GTI heritage and also reflect on Tanner’s childhood in Scotland.
The Volkswagen enthusiast concept fleet will be making stops at events around the country. To catch a glimpse of these cars in person, be sure to visit one of the following enthusiast shows:
- SOWO: The European Experience | Savannah, GA | May 17-20
- Euro Hangar | Holland, MI | June 22-23
- Waterfest | Atco, NJ | July 21-22
- Wolfsgart | Burlington, VT | Aug. 3-5
- VAG Fair | York, PA | Aug. 11-12
- SoCal Big Euro | San Diego, CA | Sept. 2
- Pacific Waterland | Woodburn, OR | Sept. 9
