Volkswagen teases next Amarok ute again

Friday, 26 March 2021

Take a peek behind the scenes of the Amarok W580's development.

The next generation of Volkswagen Amarok has been teased online in a new sketch, ahead of a launch in 2022.

Volkswagen’s new truck will get a more rugged look than the current unit, with the teaser sketch featuring a chunky front end with Triton-like pinched cheeks and visible off-road equipment like towhooks and a bashplate. There are also chunky, sculpted wheel arches housing fat off-road tyres.

It looks like VW wants to push this Amarok further into the off-road arena than the first-generation, which was renowned for its on-tarmac performance.

The next-generation Amarok is shaping up to be quite a tough looker.

Of course, these are just sketches and some elements will probably be toned down for production.

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The first teaser only had two doors and no doorhandles but the overall design seems to have carried through.

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Compared to a different sketch released previously, the Amarok now has roof rails, door handles, slightly different headlights and more triangular corner intakes.

Under the skin will be the T7 ladder-frame platform also expected to support the next Ford Ranger. Powertrains are still a while away from being announced, but rumour has it the German ute will use a Ford-supplied turbodiesel V6, possibly the 3.0-litre found in the larger F-150.

There, it produces 186kW and 597Nm, a good head and shoulders above both the current Amarok's V6 and Ford’s 2.0-litre biturbo diesel.

Smart money would bet on this making an appearance in both the upcoming Amarok and Ranger.

Beyond that, expect an upgraded four-wheel drive system, ten-speed automatic and possibly a hybrid variant coming for the next Ford and VW utes. There’s even rumour of a high-performance Amarok R…