Tanner Foust is Volkswagen's new performance driving ambassador

Volkswagen's performance and racing division have a new face that will represent the brand's tenacity not just in motorsports, but in making high-performance vehicles as well.

His name is Tanner Foust, and you might already be familiar with him from such motorsport competitions like Formula Drift, Race of Champions, as well as X-Games Rally.

“Tanner Foust is a man of many talents. Of course, it’s his skills behind the wheel that stands out the most. With his positive mindset and infectious passion for sporty cars, he is also a really likable guy. Tanner is a great fit for us and represents everything that Volkswagen R stands for around the globe – in a charismatic and authentic manner,” said Jost Capito, Managing Director at Volkswagen R.

According to the company, Foust's new “offices” in Volkswagen R will consist of the eR1 and the Atlas Cross Sport Concept that's been prepped for the Baja 1000. The eR1 is a purely-electric race car that is currently being tested by the company. Meanwhile, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is a stripped-out, race truck that is set to compete in the grueling Baja 1000 endurance race.

Foust is no stranger to anything Volkswagen. In 2014, the 46-year old racing driver competed in the FIA European Rallycross Championship in a Volkswagen Polo with Marklund Motorsport, and then with Volkswagen RX Sweden. After the Polo, he then also piloted a 560 horsepower Beetle when he joined Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross from 2015 until 2017 in the Global Rallycross Championship.

Aside from motorsports, Tanner Foust also lends his driving skills to Hollywood. From action movies such as The Bourne Supremacy and Need For Speed, Foust has maneuvered cars through tarmac, off-road, and pretty much on everything else.

Given Foust's vast experience with Volkswagen vehicles on and off the track, Volkswagen R is confident that the four-time World Rallycross Champion will be able to help the company showcase the brand's capability. Plus, Foust himself owns a Volkswagen Golf R, so that's a plus.