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2017 Volkswagen Nobody-Knows-What-It’s-Called-Yet Teased by Test Body

Inaugurated in May 2011, the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant is where the German automaker makes the North American version of the Passat, also known as the old Passat in Europe - at least in terms of looks. However, Chattanooga is set to extend its portfolio with a mid-size SUV by the end of 2016.
2017 Volkswagen SUV 8 photos
Photo: VW
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Cue the 2017 Volkswagen Nobody-Knows-What-It’s-Called-Yet three-row sport utility vehicle. Just kidding, sorry. Cue the first assembled metal test body for the upcoming mid-size SUV from Volkswagen.

While this picture doesn’t say much regarding design or performance or anything relevant whatsoever, it’s hard not to observe how long this thing is. To be frank, it’s not as humongous as a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, but then again, comparing an American extended length full-size SUV and a German mid-size SUV is like comparing apples and oranges.

The truth of the matter is that the shape and size of the tailgate will make shopping a breeze. More than that, seven people will fit in there just fine with all three rows in the upright position. What else do we know about the Volkswagen Nobody-Knows-What-It’s-Called-Yet? Firstly, we know that it is based on the CrossBlue concept that was presented at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Another thing we are aware of regarding the Nobody-Knows-What-It’s-Called-Yet mid-size SUV is that it rides on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. In terms of powertrain options, a 3.6-liter V6 is expected to be the sole engine choice. Amid the Dieselgate cheating scandal, the rumor mill suggests there’ll be a hybrid-electric powertrain available as well, but only time will tell if the rumor turns out to be valid. If it does, I’m willing to bet my two cents that a 2.0-liter turbo-4 will be dealing with internal combustion duties.

These being said, look forward to the first units of the 2017 model year Volkswagen Nobody-Knows-What-It’s-Called-Yet mid-size sport utility vehicle to hit United States dealerships early next year. For a closer look at the new model from Volkswagen, the following spy photo gallery has to suffice for the time being.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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