Will future Geely models get Handling by Lotus?
This special Geely crossover has tweaks from Lotus
When automakers make special edition versions of their cars, they typically resort to giving them aesthetic upgrades. Whether it's a body kit, a bespoke paint finish, or extra add-ons, these cars help automakers attract buyers that want something a little more unique.
Geely appears to have followed this trend with the release of a new special model. Called the Asian Games Edition, this unique Atlas/Boyue was made to commemorate the 19th Asian Games which will take place in Hangzhou, China in 2022.
While the Atlas isn't sold in the Philippines, it's a rather interesting model. It's essentially the lower-spec version of the Azkarra, which is dubbed the Boyue Pro in its home market. But before we dive into what makes it special, what does it have to offer?
Starting with the front fascia, it gets a new grille, along with red and black accents throughout the exterior that give it a sportier look. Also, the grille-mounted Geely logo on this special Atlas gets an all-black finish, while a set of 18-inch alloy wheels further give the vehicle a sleeker appearance.
As for the interior, the Atlas features brown leather seats with black and faux metal accents. While not as sporty as the exterior, the updated cabin does maintain the crossover's upscale amenities. Other available features present on this particular Atlas include a panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a CN95 cabin filter.
So it gets a flashier exterior and a more comfortable cabin. But apart from those, Geely was also busy with the Atlas' chassis. With help from Lotus (yes, Geely also owns Lotus), the Atlas Asian Games Edition gets a new rear subframe that is 25% lighter and 20% stiffer than standard. Moreover, it also has a Lotus-tuned suspension that Geely claims will deliver better handling. The only thing missing here is a classic 'Handling by Lotus' badge on the tailgate.
Under the hood, a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the special edition Atlas. It makes 184 PS with 300 Nm of torque and can be connected to either a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission.
There's no word if Geely plans to sell this special edition Atlas outside of China. But with this particular model sporting Lotus goodies underneath, perhaps Geely can make more models that come with Lotus tuning. Even if they won't sell this model in the country, the thought of future Geely models with Lotus engineering is an exciting prospect. It may surely attract some buyers that want their vehicles with sharper handling.
If anything, this limited-run Atlas might serve as the test-bed for more Lotus-tweaked Geely models for the next generations.
