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Volkswagen Australia has today confirmed that they are working on a hotter version of the new VW Amarok in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive.
The news was announced at a media conference in Sydney. However, neither VW nor Walkinshaw Group went into detail about what engine it might have, what changes have been made to the chassis, and what it will cost. We do know that it won’t be coming this year as testing will continue through 2025 and it’s looking ever more likely that the new Ford Ranger-based Walkinshaw Amarok won’t touch down in Australia until late 2026.
“We’re here to announce the next chapter in the W-Series, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Ryan Walkinshaw at the media conference in Sydney. “Walkinshaw Group has once again partnered with Volkswagen on the second generation Amarok, and we’ll plan this time to go even further than we went before. The design render (pictured at the top of this article) is now locked in,” Walkinshaw continued. “Our talented teams have been working together behind the scenes to bring it to life, and we’ll move into testing throughout the rest of this year.”
“Wow, another great idea from the team born here in Australia,” said Karsten Seifert, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Australia. “Not just from VW, but born with the team at Walkinshaw together.”
“It’s a proud Australian project that underlines a commitment and investment, and also integrates an Australian company. Volkswagen and Walkinshaw, when we talk about these great companies, we talk about the same DNA, same understanding, engineering, and performance,” Seifert continued.
This launch couldn’t come quicker for the new VW Amarok, which has struggled for sales through 2024 and into 2025. Sales for the marque are down 35.8% YTD (1,459 vs. 2,274) and were down 37.3% in the month of March (528 vs. 842). By comparison, sales for the Ford Ranger, on which the Amarok is based, were down just 8.7% in March (4,687 vs. 5,135).
“This is a journey that started in mid-2020 when a partnership with VW and Walkinshaw was born,” said Ryan Walkinshaw at the event. “The W580 was an instant success and sold more than 2,600 vehicles over its lifespan, a halo car was created for a product that was already great to start with, a ute with a GT-like focus that was followed by an off-road version with the W580X. Then, in September 2022, the 99 examples of the 2022 Volkswagen Amarok W580SE (priced from $86,990 plus on-road costs).”
The previous generation VW Amarok used the Volkswagen Amarok TDI580 Highline V6 turbo-diesel as its base, and we’d expect the same for the new Walkinshaw Amarok, which has a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel delivering 184kW @ 3250rpm and 600Nm @ 1750-2250rpm. However, it could use the petrol-powered Amarok’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol that produces 222kW @ 5900rpm and 452Nm @ 3350rpm.
You’ll find a 10-speed automatic gearbox matched to both of these engine options and full-time four-wheel drive.
“What should you expect? Well, everything that you would expect from a Walkinshaw product. Next-level design, performance, and handling. We can’t wait for all of you to see it and experience it when the time comes, but for now, thank you to Volkswagen for your support and trust in Walkinshaw Group.”
“I promise everyone in this room that the new W-Series will be one to remember.”
