The Volkswagen Amarok W580X co-developed with Walkinshaw is nearing completion and will be on sale in the market early in April 2022.
Priced from $77,390 before on-road costs, the Amarok W580X is the latest purpose-built ute spun out of the Walkinshaw partnership, following the on-road focused W580 and W580S that sold out in minutes.
The W580X will compete against other tough dual cab utes including the upcoming Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Ford Ranger Raptor.
The 4mm bash plate on the front is clearly visable with Amarok writing
What makes the W580X a proper off-roader?
Extensive work has been done on the exterior to make the Amarok W580X more capable off the beaten path.
At the front of the car, a 4mm marine-grade bash plate designed by Walkinshaw helps to protect vital parts of the engine and gearbox and a new fully integrated LED light bar helps the driver navigate in extreme low light conditions.
Wheels have been reduced in size from 20-inch to 18-inch to fit chunkier tyres more suited to off-roading, specifically a set of Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus tyres have been chosen that Volkswagen says have a more aggressive tread pattern than the stock tyres.
The 18-inch forged alloy wheels themselves are unique to the W580 and were designed and built by Walkinshaw.
The W580X will be one of the most off road specialised Amaroks you can buy
Unique to the Amarok W580X is the use of a breather kit which can be found in the front and rear differentials, transfer case and transmission.
The breather outlets have been placed as high as possible in the engine bay to allow air to escape when diffs and other hot parts of the transmission heat up and contract when they come in contact with cool water.
Underbody work has also been extensive, with an 8mm diff housing fitted at the rear to protect against impact. A 5mm aluminium tray helps to protect the transmission and transfer case.
The twin-tube Monroe shock absorbers have been tuned to be more compliant and more in line with off-road driving than the standard Amarok.
The W580X will sit just below the W580S flagship in the range
Rock sliders replace the standard side steps which are engineered to take three times the vehicle’s weight. These have been clamped to the chassis rather than bolted to add strength.
More accessories available
Other than fitting thousands of potential aftermarket parts to the new Amarok, there are a few factory options available for those wanting to purchase a W580X.
A Seikel snorkel is a factory endorsed product and will set buyers back $1390.
A luxury pack is also available and includes Vienna leather, 14-way adjustable heated front seats and Discover media with navigation for $4690.
The V6 in the Amarok is a VW-sourced unit, but not for long
Volkswagen says the standard W580 will be replaced by the X model and will be phased out in early 2022.
The W580 will remain the hero or flagship car of the range and will be available as an ongoing model for the time being.
What about the next-generation Amarok?
Yes, that’s right, there is a new generation Amarok coming, but it will still be quite some time away.
Volkswagen released sketches of what the new Amarok could look like and it does look substantially different to the new Ford Ranger, of which it shares its platform.
Volkswagen and Ford have been working together in Australia for the last three years to develop and engineer the new car for Australian conditions.
Future Amarok wil be powered by a Ford-sourced turbo V6
Although still unconfirmed, the new Amarok is likely to ditch its current V6 and swap to the Ford 3.0-litre V6 unit that will power the Ranger.
A smaller 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine could also be on the cards, but again it has not been confirmed by Volkswagen officials.
Volkswagen Amarok W580: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- W580: $71,990
- W580X: $77,390
- W580S: $81,490