2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Spied Uncamouflaged In China

Not to be confused with the Tharu, the Atlas Cross Sport has broken cover in China. The five-seat version of the Atlas mid-size crossover, this fellow here shares a lot of stylistic elements with the seven-seater and the Atlas Cross Sport Concept presented earlier this year at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

Autohome.com.cn reports the length sits at 4,905 millimeters and the width measures 1,989 millimeters from mirror to mirror. The 2,980-mm wheelbase is the same as the Atlas, translating to a lot of legroom for the rear passengers. As for height, the Atlas Cross Sport measures 1,719 millimeters from the ground to the roofline.

According to the Chinese motoring publication, the alloy wheels range from 17- to 19-inch options. Engine options number three, starting with two outputs for the 2.0 TSI (186 and 220 PS). The range-topper is a 2.5-liter narrow-angle V6 TSI, packing 299 PS and 500 Nm.

Coming from the EA390 family that gave us the 2.8 V6 FSI and 3.2 VR6 FSI, this engine made its debut in the Teramont (the Chinese equivalent to the Atlas) in 2017. Regardless of the number of cylinders, the Atlas Cross Sport ships as standard with a seven-speed DSG in this part of the world. Of course, 4Motion all-wheel drive is also available.

Expected to go into production by the summer of 2019 for the U.S. market, the Atlas Cross Sport will be manufactured at Chattanooga Operations LLC in Tennessee alongside the Atlas and next generation of the Passat. Volkswagen plans to open a second plant in this part of the world, but more information on that matter will be likely announced in January along with the details of the partnership with the Ford Motor Company.

On the matter of pricing, the Atlas Sport will be cheaper than the $30,895 Volkswagen is charging for the seven-seat Atlas. Competition is plentiful in this segment, starting with the likes of the 2019 Honda Passport, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Nissan Murano. 

Naked Honda S2000 Has Acura Headlights, Is Almost Hellaflush

They call SEMA 2019 the "Supra spam" because of all the Toyota sports cars with body kits that are on display. So could that be enough to force Honda into reviving the S2000?

People want to see several JDM specials brought back to life. There's the RX-7/8, the Silvia, the Mitsubishi GTO, but especially this. The S2000 still feels fresh and interesting but bringing it back always seemed like a tricky thing.

Honda contemplated a mid-engined sports car with hybrid tech, like the NSX. But it's pretty clear that what Americans really want is the engineering special, all-engine, fun to drive and interesting to tune.

This little project is a perfect demonstration of how crazy the community gets. Belonging to Reyes Jesus aka @Reyes_s2k, it apparently won some kind of SEMA award two years ago. The guy appears to be an auto mechanic and this is his baby.

First off, the stance featuring extra-wide Rotiform wheels is almost Hellaflush. "Almost" because there's no fenders for the rubber to sit flush with, which doesn't mean this is a stripped-out Mad Max machine. In fact, this happens to be one of the best S2000 custom paint jobs we've ever seen.

Every piece of the engine is now in full view, and it's gorgeous. You can't find any stock bits here, just custom-made manifold, radiator, a giant red turbocharger. She's pushing 400 horsepower now, and just like with the Civic Type R, both VTEC and Turbo can kick in, yo!

Bits of a body kit can also be spotted here and there, like the custom bumper and extensions at the back. You also can't miss the eyes. While the old S2000 was dated by its headlights, this one borrows them from an Acura. To our untrained eyes, these are ILX lights, but we could be wrong about that since the bottom part is hidden.

Lamborghini Countach "F1" Shows Formula One Widebody, Carbon Taillights

This is a big week for the car gaming community, with the Need For Speed: Heat title being set free into the world. And one digital artist has set out to beat the game with the help of the Lamborghini Countach, but this isn't what you'd expect.

You see, when a gamer normally takes on such a challenge, it involves actually playing the game (you know, one-upping the AI and all). Nevertheless, pixel wielder Timothy Adry Emmanuel has decided to do things differently - the 3D artist wanted to see if he could create a widebody Countach that's wilder than the one you can build in the latest installment of the NFS franchise.

And you are now looking at the result - those of you who are in a rush can simply check out the screenshots above, even though it would be a pity not to zoom in on the video below, which showcases the birth process of the contraption.

It all starts with Autodesk 3ds Max three-dimentional modeling and this is where the artist throws the iconic Marcello Gandini design into the blender with a Formula One car.

Then, the gear head moves on to Keyshot, a land where the machine we're talking about gets the eye candy people like to call "texture".

Given the F1 aero work the V12 Sant'Agata Bolognese toy has received, the resulting widebody kit is one of the wildest we've featured to date and yet it wouldn't take all that much to build this in the real world.

Hopefully, if anybody chooses to make the said transition, he or she will use a Lamborghini Countach replica rather than toucing an original masterpiece (only 1983 were built and, sandly, not all of them survived). After all, this kind of pathway is the one Japanese tuner Liberty Walk used when creating the Miura widebody.

Check Out the VW Atlas Cross Sport Prototype Reviews in Death Valley

After decades of playing with small niches, the seriously undersized Volkswagen America brand is building what it should have: crossovers. The Atlas Cross Sport is the next one to roll off the assembly line, but even before that happens, you can find out what it's like with these preview reviews of prototypes in Death Valley.

With a pre-production concept already showing us the goods, the camouflage has a difficult job hiding the goods. It's easy to make out the revised front face, LED lights and that sloped rear. Based on the super-sized MQB platform, it's got the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the normal Atlas.

However, it's traded one row of seats to gain better dynamics. Overall, it's 5.7 inches shorter. Changes have also been made to the rear suspension, giving the Cross Sport a bit of what its name implies. But don't expect instant throttle response or GTI-like steering.

It's going to be available with the same two engines as well, the 3.6-liter V6 making 276 hp and 266 lb-ft or the less popular 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 235-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both are hooked up to an 8-speed auto and have AWD on the options list. Volkswagen rates the pulling ability at 5,000 pounds and offers a Towing Package with the 800-kilowatt radiator (standard 600-kilowatts), a 180A alternator (140 amps as standard), upgraded stability control, and trailer control.

The interior is said to be almost identical - digital dash, infotainment and even the trim for the doors. But Volkswagen is said to have installed a new steering wheel.

Overall, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn't feel like a big deal, as many other SUVs/crossovers have two body styles. But it's also a step in the right direction. And if you've always liked the Atlas yet wished it handled a little better, it could be the next lease for you. 

Isle of Man 360-Degree Racing Footage Is a Simply Breathtaking Experience

Riding in the Isle of Man is per se an almost mystical experience, even though one is on two wheels as a tourist there. The Mountain Course is a place that's simply oozing road racing heritage and thinking about all the great riders that have written the motorcycling history on those roads.

Below you can watch what the new camera technology can offer in terms of onboard experience. Traveling to the Snaefell Mountain in the Isle of Man with a motorcycle can represent a very cool thing to do in your summer vacation, but letting loose on that course is not for everyone.

And of course, getting to the point of being involved in some official racing action at the Mountain is a privilege reserved to a handful of lucky guys.

Thanks to 360-degree cameras we now can get a much better glimpse of what racing in the Isle of Man looks like, even though to some, such footage may be less of a palatable visual experience. The video below was shot with a 360fly camera and the even nicer news is that this piece of technology will also become available in major stores this October for an estimated price of $400 (€360).
It's not the first 360-degree video sht on a bike, but this is definitely the first one we got to see on the iconic Mountain Course. We also watched thrilling off-road 360-degree action with Tony Cairoli, the the internet is only getting ready for the new wave of similar footage.

The video was shot on Alan Cunningham's bike during his qualifying ride. Use your arrow keys or mouse to pan and tilt the image, and let yourself absorbed in this incredible sport. 

Slammed Volkswagen Atlas Harlequin Is a Golf Joke

The Atlas is the vehicle Volkswagen should have made all along. It's big, affordable and practical. But the 3-row crossover doesn't have a sense of humor, which this rendering tries to fix.

Digital artist Brad Builds has a thing for the Atlas now, having done an interesting widebody conversion recently. And while his focus for the past few days has been on SEMA, his recent gallery of an FT-1 Supra concept in multiple colors inspired this Harlequin Atlas.

The idea here is to have each body panel in a different shade - a blue roof, yellow doors or red doors, a red bumper and so on. Nothing matches, making the Tennessee-built SUV look like a mess.

You might think that it's some kind of junkyard dog, put back on the road with panels from several scrapped vehicles. However, the theme belongs to the Golf and it's a classic that re-surfaces from time to time.

Volkswagen made four of Harlequin Golfs back in 1995 for a big car show just to get people interested. Each car had a different base color, which you could see on the chassis or under the hood. People loved it and the company eventually decided to release a limited series of 60 production cars followed by the second run of 200 units.

Only about half survived to this day, and they're not exactly exotic collectibles. But many Volkswagen owners try out this look for their modern rides since it's not very expensive to pull off.

As for the Atlas, if somebody ever slams one on such big wheels and does a Harlequin wrap, it's going to get more attention at car shows than a Ferrari. Also, this might be something worth looking into for SEMA 2020, Volkswagen, along with maybe a twin-turbo VR6 or 2.5 TFSI swap. Better yet, make it drift.

Fusar Introduces the Mohawk and BRC Helmet Cam System

The Mohawk is Fusar Technologies' newest addition to the product range. Even though at first some might think that the Mohawk is nothing more than yet another helmet cam, this small gadget indeed packs interesting features that make it stand out from the crowd.

For starters, we'll just mention that the Mohawk is hinged at the back, and has an aerodynamic profile. This means no obstacle for opening the visor and less noise and turbulence, increasing the comfort of wearing it.

The Mohawk can be mounted on a helmet of your choice using quick-release mounts compatible with the GoPro ones, and it comes with a 2350 mAh battery that provides up to 4 hours of use. It can also be recharged while in use, so if you're not bothered by a thin power line dangling at the back of your head, you're all set.

Riders will be able to shoot 12MP photos and 1080p video @ 30 or 60 fps, and store the recordings and pics on a MicroSD card. The Mohawk also syncs the content with your smartphone automatically for easy sharing.15-second snippets posted to social media with ease
A special HotShot function allows riders to post 15-second snippets to social media platforms in real time with a simple press of a button, even if the camera is not recording.

Another cool function of the Mohawk is the Cloud-based RiderChat feature that enables push-to-talk (PTT) with up to 12 friends, via the data-enabled smartphone. Obviously, range is no longer an issue, giving the Mohawk an extra edge in mobile communication between riders. Full Bluetooth streaming ensures that listening to music, taking calls or listening to navigation instructions is also on the menu.Crash detection and EMS functionality
The Fusar Mohawk also integrates advanced crash detection technologies and an alert system that will contact first response teams. A text message and an email will be transmitted, alongside a map and GPS coordinates in case of a crash.

At the same time, the Black Box feature will store the last 15 seconds of video and telemetry when a crash is detected, helping riders and authorities deal with the incident.

Pre-ordering the Fusar Mohawk will also get you the BRC remote control, a part that can be easily attached to the bike's left grip and that provides you with comfortable wireless access to some of the functions. The remote is waterproof and thanks to the Bluetooth Low Energy technology, a charge can last for up to 12 months.

The MSRP for the Mohawk/BRC package is $500 (€452), but you still have a day or so to make a $50 (€45) deposit and secure yours at a promotional price of $200 (€180), initially offered at AIMExpo only. Shipping expected in Q3 2016.

Headwave TAG Helmet Music and Navigation System Reviewed

So that’s why I was rather suspicious about the TAG Concert Capsule, taking things with a pinch of salt and refraining from making a call. But when I got the chance to test one, I said to myself that I definitely had to write a review, for good or for worse, as it may turn out. Without much ado, I will not make you wait too long for my decision: it’s a cool thingie that will change the way you experience your motorcycle, scooter, or ATV riding.

Whether it is a must is up to you, but if you want to be able to enjoy music in a clean, safe and rewarding way, the Headwave TAG “Concert Capsule” may very well be THE solution
First off, I have to tell you that I love listening to music in the car, but was never a fan of this while riding a bike or quad, for long hauls or city rides, on or off the road. Obviously, you might ask whether this changed after I stalled the TAG on my current helmet. I am not sure, but I will definitely give it more time to see how music and navigation integrate with my riding habits.

Others might fall in love with it from the first sight, while some will say that their current headphones are just what they need. It’s no problem, as the Headwave TAG is only yet another option for you, and it doesn’t claim to be the universal solution to your needs.Oh goodie-goodie, what’s inside the box?
The Headwave TAG Concert Capsule arrives in a stylish, inconspicuous, dark box that has everything you need to get started in minutes. Frankly, I loved the simplicity of the packaging and the function-oriented design, with no useless crap one must throw away after the open-the-damn-box fun ends. This hints about the proverbial German efficiency and I liked the way this gadget can look equally neat when getting one for yourself or as a gift.

Once the ticker seal was cut, the magnetic lid opened and revealed the TAG, neatly supported in a bright moon green cardboard cradle. The lid also has a pocket that contains extra goodies in the form of four stickers (two green and two black ones) with the Headwave logo and a nice motivational quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved but an adventure to be lived.” It just doesn’t get any more sincere and true than this.

Another cool thing in the box is a second self-adhesive strip that will allow TAG users to install the device on a new helmet without any hassle. And I bet Headwave will also sell these TESA ACX high-strength adhesive strips to you in case you need more. Once you remove the TAG and the cardboard cradle, you get a small user manual that will eliminate most of your unknowns, and a USB charging cable.

The TAG connector is a “mag-safe” one not unlike the power connectors for Mac laptops. It has two tiny magnets, most likely neodymium, which attach securely to the Concert Capsule and without any risk of damaging the power cord or receptacle if accidentally pulled. The overall feeling I got was very pleasant, with the materials used to build everything being high-quality ones, from the paper to the box, cables and all. A big thumbs up here.Installation takes less than it takes you to clean your helmet
Having the Headwave TAG Concert Capsule installed on the lid is exceptionally easy and only takes 30 seconds or so. Speaking about the time needed to have everything up and running, it may take you more to clean and dry the back of your helmet’s shell. This operation is crucial for the installation, as it ensures that the TAG will stay put on the helmet. Also, make sure you dry the helmet well if you use cleaning products or wet wipes, like I did. An extra paper handkerchief should do.

One of the cool things about the TAG is that its shape and construction will allow it to mount easily on pretty much any helmet, from sports ones to retro three-quarter lids. The curvature of the Concert Capsule and its elasticity allow it to come in contact with the majority of helmet shells, and this is brilliant. The TAG flexes a bit when force is applied, but this is normal and beneficial. The TESA adhesive fixes the Concert Capsule in place very well, and you can press it a bit to evenly distribute the force.The capsule
The charging port is the only “hole” in the IP67-certified capsule, but water has no way to get inside through there. Another well-thought feature is that, when connected, the cable is not strained, thus reducing material fatigue and the risk of breakage.

As for the rest, once firmly attached to the helmet, the TAG becomes a natural extension of it. The added weight is nothing to worry about unless you’re a hyper-sensitive fellow in constant search of reasons to complain. Especially riders who use a heavier helmet, such as a flip-up one, have the smallest chances to feel the difference.

The TAG does not exactly capture attention and will easily be overlooked, and this is great. People might turn their heads at the traffic light as they will hear some music sounding out of thin air, but that’s about it. I found it amusing to look at people’s faces as they were trying to figure out where the sound came from, and one particular driver who had his windows open was quite funny asking me “does this music come from you, mate?”

Impervious to water, mud and dust, you need not worry about the TAG. It will simply be there at the back of your head, doing its job and putting a smile on your face now and then. And if you don’t forget to recharge it before you leave home, you’re all set. Charging on the way is also a possibility, using the USB port on the bike (most new bikes have at least one) or a hefty power bank.

The Headwave TAG Concert Capsule has only one button, the small rectangular green one in the center, for powering on and off. Two LEDs inside the pod indicate that the unit is charging (red), working (green), or it lost connectivity (blue). Pairing with an iPod worked flawlessly, and the two devices found each other without any issues.

On one occasion, I forgot to switch the TAG off when I arrived at work in the morning, and thought that it was a goner when I was heating the bike to go home. Nope, the TAG appears to have shut down itself after a time of lost connection, saving power and making me smile once more. 

Wald Toyota Prius Is Hybrid Lunacy

Alot of people these days are looking at the Toyota Prius and saying “hey, I’d tune that any day”. Since the industry is all about clashing and contrast, and nothing is more contrasting than a hybrid family car with a body kit.

This one is from Japan’s most prominent aftermarket specialist, Wald International. These guys usually make carbon fiber widebody kits for Mercedes models like the CLS63 AMG or S-Class, all in the name of looking awesome.

But now Wald has worked their Black Bison magic on the Prius and added a ew front bumper, side skirts, a rear bolt-on apron and a custom set of exhaust tips. Some might say this ruins the fuel consumption, but we would have loved to see a set of widebody fenders as well.

The Japanese tuner also gives the Prius a set of multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in slick rubber. While we don’t know what they did under the bonnet, GReddy can probably hook you up if you want a tune engine.

Bugatti Veyron Mirror-Finish Painted

The opening of the Autostadt, Volkswagen's factory located in Wolfsburg, Germany, was marked by the unveiling of the highly acclaimed Bugatti Veyron, only this time in a flawless mirror finish.

Situated in a similarly reflective pavilion, in the surrounding complex of Autostadt's unique architecture, the model offered an unrivaled experience as the spectators' reflection became part of the artwork.

With its spectacular display of architecture, art and design, the British architect responsible for adding the curved walkway and a lounge that virtually floats in space accentuated the pavilion's unusual elliptic interior.

The person responsible for the mirror-finish of the Bugatti Veyron is Olaf Nicolai and the ones that provided the artistic installations are Anselm Reyl and Peter Zimmermann.

Nicolai tried, and successfully accomplished the task, in creating a mental space, in which one can explore aesthetic perceptions, thus challenging the observer to pay close attention as the mirror-finish transforms objects and shows them in a different light and shade.

In Nicolai's new work called "Après vous", the mirror-finish Bugatti Veyron is displayed in a mirrored room. Having to be, arguably the most technically intricate vehicle of all times, with its superb craftsmanship and mind bending performance, the car represents the pinnacle of exclusivity and excellence in the automotive world, summing up the reasons behind Nicolai's choice.