VW Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept Gets the Golf R's 300-HP Engine

• Inspired by the launch of the Golf R, VW took the Golf R's EA288 turbo-four and put it in the Atlas Cross Sport to create the GT concept.

• The Cross Sport GT routes more than 300 horsepower through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to all four wheels, which should lower the standard car's 7.5-second 60-mph sprint time.

• The concept also rides on a custom suspension and 22-inch ABT Sport wheels, and it features a revised interior with four Recaro performance seats.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ditches the third row of seats found in the standard Atlas in favor of a more rakish, coupe-like roofline. However, it uses the same 235-hp four-cylinder and optional 276-hp V-6, so the coupe-ified Atlas isn't much more athletic than the three-row model. That changes with the new Atlas Cross Sport GT concept, unveiled today by Volkswagen. Inspired by the launch of the Golf R, the GT concept receives a host of upgrades to create a crossover "that could appeal to our performance enthusiast base," as explained by VW Group of America CEO Scott Keogh.

The concept is the handiwork of Jamie Orr, a VW enthusiast and brand ambassador, who took a 2021 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line off the assembly line and infused it with some of the performance goodies from the Golf R. Most notably, this meant an engine swap—the GT concept features a version of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Golf R. VW says the engine makes over 300 horsepower, routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the standard eight-speed auto. The GT concept is equipped with all-wheel drive, and while VW didn't provide performance figures, it's safe to assume the extra power allows for a quicker 60-mph sprint than the 7.5 seconds posted by the normal V-6 model.