VW Atlas R-Line introduced, will debut at NAIAS 2017

Volkswagen's new mid-size SUV gains performance-inspired styling.

Volkswagen has introduced a performance-inspired R-Line package for the VW Atlas. The VW Atlas R-Line will have its stage debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The R-Line is probably the sportiest the VW Atlas will look in the long-run, as GTI and R variants would be unlikely for this SUV. The Atlas R-Line's exterior highlights include unique front and rear bumpers with stylish air intakes at the front and gloss black-painted diffusor at the rear, side skirts, 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels and R-Line badging.

Inside, the VW Atlas R-Line features an R-Line steering wheel clip and stainless-steel sport pedal covers. The infotainment system, which is based on the company's Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB II), shows up the R-Line logo when turned on.

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The VW Atlas R-Line will be available with the same 175 kW (238 PS) 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder and the 206 kW (280 PS) 3.6-litre VR6 naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engines as the standard Atlas. An 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard, while the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system will be available in the V6 engine model.

The R-Line package will become available in the U.S. market after the Atlas' launch in Spring (March-June).