Australian deliveries of the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok have only just begun, but it appears the local division is already beginning to assess possibilities of expanding the ute range.
Volkswagen Australia product manager Ben Triebels told CarExpert the company is currently investigating adding the option of the V6 turbo-diesel engine to the entry-level Amarok Core.
This 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque and is currently only available in the upper-spec Style, Panamericana, and Aventura variants.
“Look it’s something that we’re definitely looking at long-term and we’re always sort of looking at the range,” said Mr Triebels.
Current Amarok Core
“We’re going, okay, this where we’re gong to start it off.
“We know that the V6 Core was such a huge success in the old model and it’s something that we are working towards 100 per cent.”
Volkswagen Australia added the option of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine in the previous-generation Amarok back in 2018 as an automatic-only model with 165kW (180kW on overboost) and 550Nm.
The company added a six-speed manual option for the Amarok Core V6 in 2020 that produced 50Nm less torque than the automatic model at 500Nm.
Previous-generation Amarok Core V6
In addition to a potential Amarok Core V6, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia product and marketing manager Nathan Johnson told CarExpert the company is looking at the possibility of an extended wheelbase option.
“Everything’s under evaluation, especially from the global conversions team,” said Mr Johnson.
“So I know there’s a number of projects underway.
“Nothing is off the table. We’re evaluating every opportunity that comes to us … making sure it’s feasible and then obviously adds value to our line-up as well.”
Amarok XL
Volkswagen Australia announced the stretched Amarok XL and XXL in 2020, based on the previous-generation model.
These factory-backed models were created by Netherlands-based partner Veth Automotive and then built under license locally by Adelaide-based Adaptive Manufacturing.
The Amarok XL had a 310mm longer wheelbase and the Amarok XXL had a 650mm longer wheelbase, with both available in cab-chassis and pickup body types.
Spied Ford Ranger long-wheelbase prototype
It’s unclear how Volkswagen would go about stretching the chassis of the new-generation Amarok as it’s shared with the Ranger.
A left-hand drive Ford Ranger prototype was spied in Melbourne last year with what appeared to be a longer tub than the regular dual-cab model.
If a long-wheelbase version of the new Volkswagen Amarok goes on sale locally it will go up against the likes of the SsangYong Musso XLV and the recently launched LDV T60 Max Mega Tub.
