First Volkswagen Amarok W580 rolls off the line
Walkinshaw-developed German tough truck finally hits the roadFirst examples of the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580 are finally rolling off the Walkinshaw Automotive Group production line in Melbourne, following a 12-month development program.
Claimed to be Australia’s most dynamic dual-cab 4x4 ute, the W-Series Amarok is produced in two specs priced from $71,990 plus on-road costs, with the S version topping the range at $79,990 plus ORCs.
Despite that, the first batch of 48 vehicles to emerge from Walkinshaw’s Clayton factory, not far from the former Volkswagen factory, were all spoken for within a few minutes of online ordering opening in December.
In addition to being among the first to receive their fully-loaded W580S, these customers have also been invited to visit the Walkinshaw factory and attend a track day with the Walkinshaw Andretti United supercars team.
As we’ve reported, the Volkswagen Amarok W580 is being modified using components from local and international suppliers on a specially developed production by a team of more than 25 WAG staff, some of whom previously helped create Holden Special Vehicles.
“Volkswagen has a long and proud history in Australia, but hasn’t manufactured vehicles locally for over 40 years,” said Volkswagen Australia Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies.
“It’s fantastic that not only are we back in the business of building cars in Australia, but in doing so with Walkinshaw we return to our ancestral home of Clayton, just moments away from the site of the original Volkswagen plant.”
Walkinshaw Automotive Group managing director Joel Stoddart said the W580 is far more than a token ‘sticker pack’ following 20,000km of development testing in a range of environments including hot weather, and validation by Volkswagen’s Hannover factory.
“There’s a lot that goes into building a Walkinshaw vehicle, and that includes developing the right parts to suit the nature of the vehicle,” he said.
“The W-Series Amarok has been designed to offer driving dynamics and cornering ability rarely experienced in a dual-cab ute. Throughout our track and open-road testing, the Amarok V6 proved itself time and again as a tough and potent base car, while the modifications we’ve made to our version of the car have only enhanced it.
“With such a strong chassis and that class-leading power under the bonnet, we were spoilt for choice in which direction we could take the car.”
Like all Volkswagens, the Amarok W580 and W580S come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, capped-priced servicing every calendar year, optional three- and five-year pre-paid service packs and the ability to purchase via the Volkswagen Choice guaranteed future value program.
There are no changes to the 200kW/580Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel seen in other Amarok models, including the TDI580 Highline on which the W580 is based. It’s matched as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION 4x4 system with Torsen differential.
Towing capacity remains at 3500kg and each W580 includes a special plaque with its unique build number as a limited-edition model, however, if demand remains strong it could continue as a permanent member of the Amarok range.
Standard W580 standard equipment:
• 20×9.0-inch forged alloy ‘Clayton’ wheels
• Pirelli Scorpion ATR tyres (275/50R20)
• Wheel-arch extensions
• Front suspension lift
• Twin-tube front and rear shock absorbers
• New front upper grille design
• New lower bumper inserts and fog lamp surround design
• LED front fog lamps
• Walkinshaw-branded head restraints
• W580 tailored carpet mats
• Bonnet protector
• Decals – doors
W580S extra equipment:
• LED fog lights with cornering function
• Sail plane styling bar
• Front underbody styling element
• Five-piece protective tub liner
• Bonnet decals
• Decals – lower tub
• Vienna leather seat trim with Walkinshaw branding
• 14-way adjustable Ergo Comfort heated front seats
• Electric folding mirrors
• Discover Media Navigation
• Instrument cluster with colour multifunction display
• Tuned twin exhaust with branded tips
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580 cost?
W580 – $71,990
W580S – $79,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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