Volkswagen Arteon Big Sur concept car: a green car inspired by the Golden State (literally)

It is absolutely appropriate to call this customized Volkswagen a "green machine"! Get to know the 2021 Arteon Big Sur concept car, inspired by the mountainous area of the same name between Carmel and San Simeon on the central coast of California (Big Sur means "Southern Power"). Volkswagen enthusiast and motorsport marketing expert Sean Maynard, FMS Automotive's Rory Stramer and Gil Plasencia, and Rotiform's Jason Whipple designed the Arteon Big Sur concept car.

“The Arteon is a hidden gem in the Volkswagen lineup,” Plasencia said. “It’s a top-of-the-line sedan that offers the elegance of a sports car, plus it includes all the features Volkswagen drivers have come to know and love – like Lane Assist, Car-Net [and] fantastic braking and handling.”

Devising The Big Sur

Suspension & Tires

The Big Sur In-Person

Devising The Big Sur

The California-based team began with a 2021 Urano Gray Arteon SEL Premium R-Line and changed the color using a custom vinyl wrap. An all-green Golf R that Rotiform debuted at SEMA in 2019 was the inspiration behind the Big Sur shade of green. The wrap was fit to match the entire car, including its interior door jambs and side body pieces. As such, when the doors are opened, the green color is still visible.

“It was more of an aesthetic design makeover than a performance upgrade,” Stramer recalled. “We wanted to keep it in the bou

2021 VW Arteon Big Sur Concept. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Suspension & Tires

Using a Voomeran Lower Valence body kit, Plasencia and Stramer designed custom front splitters, side pieces, and a spoiler to fit the Arteon concept. From there, the team added a new coilover suspension and black, 20-inch Rotiform TUF-R cast monoblock wheels with Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus tires (245/45/R20). “We brought it down an inch and a half, but it can actually go as far down as two and a half inches,” Plasencia explained. “However, because of the car’s body kit, it gives an illusion that the car is actually lower than it is.”

The Big Sur In-Person

The Arteon Big Sur Concept is part of the 2021 Volkswagen Enthusiast Fleet, displayed at different fan events and enthusiast gatherings across the country. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like VW will produce them, not even as a special edition. So the Big Sur is probably just a one-off, sadly. It’s still cool nonetheless. “We wanted the car to stop people in their tracks and announce, ‘I’m here!'” Plasencia said. “I’m really proud of the amount of detail and attention we put into it.”

Photos &Source: Volkswagen Corporation