Seven fun, functional, and fast custom Volkswagens
Volkswagen customized seven vehicles from its current lineup for a little more sportiness, versatility, and fun. The concepts feature performance and aesthetic accessories from both VW and aftermarket suppliers, and though none are official or even dealer-installed option packages for sale, any enterprising Volkswagen fan could build one of these cars on their own. First shown this past weekend at the SoWo (Southern Wörthersee) show on Hutchinson Island near Savannah, Georgia, the cars will be appearing at several other events this summer. Here’s a closer look.
Golf Alltrack Combi Concept
The Golf Alltrack Combi Concept, based on the Golf Alltrack SEL, draws parts from a variety of Golf models sold in various global markets combined with some aftermarket accessories. The Golf GTE contributes the front bumper, the short shifter comes out of the Golf GTD, and the rear spoiler is from the Golf GTI Rabbit Edition. Lowered and adjustable springs from H&R make the off-road pretension of the Alltrack somewhat moot, but undoubtedly help with on-road handling, and a Volkswagen Accessories roof rack with integrated LED light bar carries a Thule Motion XT L cargo box.
Golf GTI Rabbit Confetti Concept
The Golf GTI Rabbit Confetti concept is based on a GTI Rabbit Edition, wrapped with film decorated with little Rabbit logos (along with a few Easter eggs) laid out as though Rabbit confetti landed on the car. This concept also features lowered and adjustable H&R springs, tinted glass, a VW Accessories base roof rack with a Thule® Canyon XT Cargo Basket, and 19-inch Rotiform RSE rims with custom Rotiform Aerodisk wheel covers, also featuring Rabbit logos.
Jetta GLI Super Touring Concept
Aftermarket company fifteen52 collaborated with VW to create the Jetta GLI Super Touring Concept, based on the Jetta GLI Autobahn edition. This concept debuts a new wheel design from fifteen52 and features tinted glass, an extended exhaust, a rear sport spoiler, and a performance brake kit. The GLI Super Touring concept rides on K&W Variant 3 DDC coilover springs.
Arteon R-Line SEMA Concept
First shown at the 2019 SEMA show, the Arteon R-Line SEMA Concept sits three inches lower than stock on H&R Ultra Low coilover springs and a set of forged 21-inch Vossen M-X4T wheels. Its pure white paint is covered with satin-finished Xpel Stealth protective film. This concept has been upgraded since the SEMA show with a Forge Motorsport 380mm front brake kit, custom valances, and Luft Technik aluminum floor mats.
Tiguan Adventure Concept
H&R helped out with the Tiguan Adventure Concept, based on the Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion. Intended to appeal to the overlanding crowd, this Tiguan SUV features topographic map-themed vinyl decals, H&R Adventure Raising Springs, and 18-inch Rotiform WGR wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. The Tiguan Adventure Concept also has the base roof carrier from VW Accessories, in this case bearing a kayak secured by a Thule Hull-a-Port kayak carrier. Other accessories include VWMonster Mats, a Bumperdillo protection plate, a rear spoiler, and aluminum running boards.
Atlas Basecamp Concept
Alex Earle, a cycling enthusiast as well as the Exterior Design Manager at the Volkswagen Design Center in southern California, created the Atlas Basecamp Concept, based on the Atlas SEL Premium, for mountain bikers. Finished in matte gray and black with orange accents, the Basecamp Concept is lifted by about 1.5 inches with an H&R coilover lift kit and rides on 265/70R17 all-terrain tires mounted to fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels. The SUV also features a custom body kit from Air Design, a Front Runner® Slimline II roof rack for bikes, front and rear LED light bars, and protective interior accessories from Volkswagen.
Golf R Spektrum Concept
The Golf R Spektrum Concept is intended to highlight the Spektrum program, which allows you to order your Golf in one of 40 custom colors, many of which are “heritage” colors originally featured on special editions and enthusiast models. The concept is based on a Golf R equipped with navigation and VW’sDynamic Chassis Control, finished in Ginster Yellow with black rocker panel accents. H&R VTF adjustable lowering springs and 20-inch Vossen Hybrid Forged HF-1 wheels complete the package.
If you missed the VW concepts at SoWo 2019, the enthusiast concept fleet is scheduled to display at the following events later this year:
ARX Round #2-3, Madison, IL, July 13–14
Waterfest, Atco, NJ, July 21–22
Wolfsgart, Essex Junction, VT, Aug. 4–5
VAG Fair, York, PA, Aug. 4–5
SoCal Big Euro, San Diego, CA, Sept. 1
Pacific Waterland, Woodburn, OR, Sept. 9
ARX Round #5, Austin, TX, Sep. 28
