It’s winning the dual-cab 4x4 performance battle right now, but don’t expect any more power upgrades for the Volkswagen Amarok until a new generation shows up early next decade.
The Amarok V6 has reasserted its authority with this week’s launch of Ultimate 580, which sets a new standard for power and torque in the category at 200kW and 580Nm.
Not even the forthcoming 190kW/550Nm V6-powered Mercedes-Benz X 350d can top it.
But that’s it, full-stop. The Amarok is tapped out, at least for now.
And that’s not only power-wise, because there’s no chance safety items like rear-side airbags and autonomous emergency braking being added to the equipment list until the next-generation Amarok turns up sometime between 2020 and 2022.
Instead, expect Volkswagen to stir interest in the Amarok via some limited-editions, including some based on the 580 that will drive the price higher than its new $71,990 (plus ORCs) benchmark.
“I wouldn’t say it [Amarok] is tapped out because there are limited-editions we can do,” confirmed Volkswagen Australia’s commercial vehicles director Carlos Santos to motoring.com.au.
“But I think the core product offering is probably where it is at now.
“I don’t see us having a more powerful version, I don’t see us having a less powerful version, I think the 165 [180kW on overboost] and 190kW [200kW on overboost] are where the powerbands will be.”
The timing and development of the Amarok’s replacement has been subject to plenty of speculation since Ford and Volkswagen announced in June they were investigating a strategic alliance to jointly develop and produce vehicles including light commercials.
Authoritative industry publication Automotive News is already writing as fact the next-gen Amarok will be based on the T6 architecture developed by Ford’s Australian R&D team for the Ranger, Everest and forthcoming Bronco.
While there’s no official confirmation of this as yet, neither Ford nor Volkswagen has any other partnerships for ute development standing in the way of doing a deal.
The T6 base was shared with Mazda, but the Japanese company has now forged an alliance with Isuzu for its next BT-50. Volkswagen developed the original Amarok itself and the vehicle has reportedly struggled to be a money-maker.
Part of the reason for that is the collapse of sales in South America because of poor economic conditions. As a result, Australia has replaced Brazil as the Amarok’s largest export market (it’s built in Germany, Argentina and Algeria).
Santos says that ensures Australia gets heard when sorting out the key specifications of the next Amarok, no matter what ladder frame it’s based on.
“We are seated at the table for the next-gen at every workshop that’s designed for us, so we are very considered,” he said.
“So, they definitely listen to us over there. That’s due to a lot of cars like [Toyota] HiLux and Ranger that do so well here. So yes, we definitely get a seat at that table.”
Santos said that driveability and performance were key features Australia was pressing to ensure will be retained next time round.
“They are the big two things — they are our biggest trumpcards,” said Santos.
“We also want the latest tech moving forward and we have all that tech available in the group.”
Asked about adding AEB and other driver-assist systems, as well as a full suite of airbags, Santos said: “They are on our wishlist, absolutely.
“We also want to maintain cabin space, maintain tray space. We also want to keep towing capacity. It’s keeping all those competitive advantages we currently have, as well as adding the tech that’s available to us.”