The Chinese language Ministry of Business and Data Expertise (MIIT) has turn into synonymous with automobile designs leaking early, however whereas a lot of these are China-only variations, right this moment you are taking a look at an SUV that’s anticipated to come back to the USA late subsequent yr because the next-generation Volkswagen Atlas. Technically, that is the next-gen VW Teramont Professional, however the Teramont is solely the title utilized to the midsize SUV outdoors of the US, Canada, and Chile.
The present era Atlas/Teramont has been in manufacturing since 2017, which implies it is already getting old and approaching the timeframe when a second era could be launched. If reviews from China are to be believed, the Teramont Professional pictured right here will launch in China for the 2025 mannequin yr, however will solely arrive stateside late subsequent yr as a 2026 mannequin.
Design: Volvo XC90 Meets VW Atlas
Proven in two trims, the design is probably going to attract conflicting opinions. The present Atlas is arguably essentially the most dated design in VW’s present arsenal, regardless of a comparatively main replace in the previous few years. What the brand new Atlas seems to do is take cues from the present mannequin’s entrance finish however with added inspiration from the front-end designs of latest EVs. Whereas design style is a private factor, we’re not so certain this entrance finish is all that trendy, though the white automobile seems to have a extra aggressive R-Line styling bundle with bigger entrance air vents and blacked-out detailing.
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The profile view is the place issues get attention-grabbing, as we see a variety of Volvo XC90 on this design. There are squared-off wheel arches (with body-color cladding), flush door handles, and a slab-sided design that has turn into synonymous with Volvo’s just lately up to date three-row SUV. The rear finish is way much less Swedish however unremarkable in its personal proper, characterised by a full-width panel into which pixel-like LED taillights span.
Technical Specs: Dimension Issues
Whereas imagery from the Chinese language authorities is proscribed, we do have entry to some specs, together with exterior dimensions.
VW Atlas/Teramont Specs: Previous vs. New
VW Teramont Professional (China)
VW Atlas (US)
Distinction
Size
203 inches
200.7 inches
+2.3 inches
Wheelbase
117.3 inches
117.3 inches
0 inches
Width
78.3 inches
78.3 inches
0 inches
Top
70.3 inches
70.4 inches
-0.1 inches
Weight
4,750 lbs
4,517 lbs
+233 lbs
Probably nonetheless based mostly on the MQB platform, it is no shock the wheelbase stays unchanged, however the longer physique is prone to attraction to a size-focused market just like the US. In each different metric, it is nearly an identical, save for the load. The specs offered by the Chinese language MIIT are for an AWD mannequin, however it’s nonetheless a pair hundred kilos heavier than a comparable US-spec Atlas.
One other element that has been printed is the engine, a solitary 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. An analogous 2.0-liter engine delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque is used within the US; the VR6 was dropped for the 2024 mannequin yr. The present Teramont in China has an out there 2.5-liter V6, however it stays unsure whether or not this may carry over to the brand new mannequin. What we do know is that when it arrives within the US, we will count on extra energy, as VW executives beforehand instructed CarBuzz that the US was in line for additional oomph when the subsequent era rolled round.
“We’re pushing, possibly, to have some kind of an engine spinoff and Atlas that may also put out slightly bit greater than what we’re placing out right this moment. Whether or not that shall be a full efficiency model, I might in all probability say no, however it’ll be one thing that’ll give the automobile slightly extra horsepower and can stand out over the usual V6 or four-cylinder choices that now we have within the midsize SUV market right this moment.”
– Hein Schafer, Volkswagen Group of America Senior Vice President of Product & Technique
H/T:
Motor1