Preceded by a badge-engineered Toyota Hilux by the name of Taro, as well as the Caddy Pickup, the Amarok is Volkswagen’s first proper truck. In production since 2010, it’s also a torquey son of a gun thanks to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 developed by Audi for the likes of the A8 sedan.
The gray-haired truck is due to pass the torch on July 7th to a surprisingly American successor. The second generation is American if you peel away the bodyshell. Under the skin, you’ll find the ladder frame of the Ford Ranger, together with a choice of Blue Oval-designed plants and trannies.
Depending on the powerplant and region, customers will get six- and ten-speed automatic transmission as well as four- and six-cylinder turbocharged lumps. A gasoline mill, most likely the 2.3-liter EcoBoost found in the North American Ranger, has also been confirmed. When it comes to diesel options, the list kicks off with the single- and twin-turbocharged EcoBlue.
At the very top of the spectrum, Volkswagen will employ the Power Stroke V6 under the German automaker’s well-known TDI moniker. In the Ranger, this engine develops 247 horsepower (184 kW) at 3,250 revolutions per minute and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) at 1,750 to 2,250 revolutions per minute.
The 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 of the Ranger Raptor isn’t likely to happen, and it’s pretty understandable given the money invested by the Ford Motor Company in their growing Raptor lineup that includes the Bronco.
Already teased with a portrait infotainment system, just like its American cousin, the Amarok was apparently designed under the guiding principle of “no matter what.” The marketing nonsense doesn’t end here, though.
“A rebel, a fighter, and at the same time a linchpin of the family and of every venture, but always with a clear aim: to bear responsibility.” Pretty weak compared to “Built Ford Tough” and “Built for the Wild,” huh?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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