The VW Amarok Thread

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Did you call the Amarok soft? Van der Merwe’s challenge ensues

Somewhere in the bush near Mbombela - “Because you guys said it was a soft-roader you’re going to be driving over rocks the whole day tomorrow to prove that it isn’t.”

And with that the legendary Sarel van der Merwe welcomed us to the Spirit of Amarok media challenge, this year set in the mountainous area just outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga.

A group of motoring hacks were about to spend the next day taking on various obstacles and timed routes that had been set up by Van der Merwe in the run-up to what will be the South African leg of the VW Amarok qualifying event before the winners take on teams competing in similar events from around the world to determine who will take the title at the Spirit of Africa event, obviously also in Amaroks.

More than 400 teams of hopefuls have put their hands up so no doubt competition will be as fierce as ever.

The weapon of choice was Amarok’s V6 165kW and 550Nm eight speed automatic, not that we saw much above fourth gear, but it did get Van der Merwe to ask us nicely to bring them back in one piece and if you’ve ever met the racing veteran you’ll know it was more of an instruction than a request.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...soft-van-der-merwes-challenge-ensues-22890368

 

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Volkswagen South Africa 'gauging interest' in Amarok XL…

Volkswagen South Africa displayed a model called the Amarok XL at the 2019 Nampo agricultural trade show in Bothaville, saying it was “gauging” local interest in the model.

The special Amarok on VW’s stand in the Free State town featured a 310 mm extension (to its body and wheelbase), which the local arm of the German firm says allows the bakkie to “comfortably fit two Euro pallets along the load bin and between the wheel arches”.

According to the automaker, the long-wheelbase model boasts an increase in its loading surface area from the standard 2,5 m2 to around 3,03 m2, with the load-bin dimensions coming in at 1 865 mm long, 1 620 mm wide and 508 mm deep.

VW SA has since told CARmag.co.za the Amarok XL – which is a conversion rather than a factory-built model – has not been confirmed for introduction ... yet.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/volkswagen-south-africa-gauging-interest-in-amarok-xl/

 

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Volkswagen's 190 kW Amarok V6 ‘still under consideration’ for SA

Volkswagen South Africa says the 190 kW version of its Amarok V6 double-cab bakkie is “still under consideration” for a local introduction.

Back in April 2018, the Wolfsburg-based firm confirmed the high-output version of its V6-powered bakkie would offer 190 kW and 580 N.m. At the time, VW SA indicated it planned to bring this flagship variant to local shores at some point in 2019.

However, it seems the 190 kW model’s arrival has been pushed back, with the local arm of the German automaker telling CARmag.co.za “no launch date or timing has been confirmed yet”.

That said, the company’s social media team recently posted on its Facebook page the company was “looking at introducing” the 190 kW Amarok in the first quarter of 2020.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/volkswagens-190-kw-amarok-v6-still-under-consideration-for-sa/

 

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VW Reveals Ducati Diavel Edition Amarok

Amarok meets VW's superbike brand.

The VW Group has two crucial Italian assets. Lamborghini is the better known of these, but VW also owns Italian motorcycle brand, Ducati.

No surprise, then, that VW’s marketing people in motorcycle-obsessed France, have revealed a new special edition of the Amarok bakkie, with a Ducati twist.

It is called the Amarok Ducati Diavel Edition, and what you get is a comprehensively equipped high-output version of the Amarok 3.0 V6 TDi.

The Diavel Edition Amarok rolls 20-inch alloy wheels, finished in black, and the darkened exterior detailing extends to its radiator grille, wing mirrors and rear bumper.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/vw-reveals-ducati-diavel-edition-amarok/46805/

 

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Beefy bakkie! ABT extracts 225 kW from Volkswagen Amarok V6

While South African bakkie enthusiasts wait for the 190 kW/580 N.m version of the Volkswagen Amarok V6 to arrive on local shores, the folks over at ABT Sportsline in Germany have extracted even more power from the high-output model’s oil-burner.

Thanks to the tuner’s in-house-developed engine control unit, the European-spec Amarok V6’s 3,0-litre turbodiesel mill has been uprated to produce a whopping 225 kW and 630 N.m of torque, which is again sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

ABT says the tuned double-cab bakkie now reaches the 60 mph (96,6 km/h) mark in 7,8 seconds, slicing two-tenths off the standard model’s claimed time. Top speed has improved, too, with the firm claiming a figure of 211 km/h.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/beefy-bakkie-abt-extracts-225-kw-from-volkswagen-amarok-v6/

 

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ABT amps up VW's Amarok V6 TDI to 225kW

With 190kW and 580Nm on command, the full-fat version of Volkswagen’s Amarok V6 TDI that’s available in Europe (but not yet in South Africa) is already the brawniest bakkie in its class, albeit tie with Merc’s X350 CDi.

But for those that want to take their Amarok to the next level, German tuner ABT Sportsline has developed a performance package that raises its outputs to 225kW and 630Nm.

That is enough, ABT says, to get the double cab from zero to 100km/h in just 7.8 seconds, which is 0.2s quicker than the stock 3.0 TDI, while the top speed is now listed at 211km/h, up from 207km/h.

There is no rocket science involved here, just an ABT Engine Control unit, which is the heart of all ABT performance upgrades. As this is a separate control unit, the serial ECU is untouched and the vehicle remains completely diagnosable, according to ABT.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/abt-amps-up-vws-amarok-v6-tdi-to-225kw-26803377

 

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DRAG RACE: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 4Motion TDI vs Mercedes-Benz X350d 4Matic - CAR magazine SA

 

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Volkswagen Amarok Boosted By ABT

What's better than a potent bakkie? A tuned bakkie, of course! ABT got its hands on the 3.0-litre V6 Volkswagen Amarok and the results are impressive.

The Volkswagen Amarok with its 3.0-litre V6 engine could hardly be accused of being underpowered, but tuners ABT Sportsline have added some more meat. Note that this is the European-spec 3.0-litre V6 which produces 190 kW and 580 Nm, mind, but still, thanks to an engine control unit upgrade, the ABT Amarok now features 225 kW and 630 Nm.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volkswagen-amarok-boosted-by-abt/46927/

 

[FiestaST]

Volkswagen Amarok to the Rhino Rescue

Rhino poaching is a major problem across South Africa (and Africa in general) and Volkswagen is backing initiatives to curb poaching in hot-spots around the country. Gero Lilleike recently spent a day with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the Wilderness Foundation Africa to experience their anti-rhino poaching efforts and to learn (and share) more about the plight of this endangered species. Read on...

Many people are aware of the ongoing threat of poaching on wildlife populations, but at the same time, many people aren't. Poaching is widespread, whether it be poaching rhino, elephant, pangolin, gorilla or dolphins, to name just a handful, and phenomenal efforts are currently being actioned to curb poaching and save animal populations from being wiped off the face of the earth forever.

With the proliferation of frivolous information spewing into the public domain via social media on a daily basis, we are often so overwhelmed that inaction becomes the default because we feel that there is nothing we can do to help. We could never be more wrong... As a result, we lose focus on issues that are critically important and deserving of ongoing public attention and rhino poaching is an issue that deserves your continuous attention and support.

Rhino poaching statistics are horrific and while 2019 stats have yet to be released, a total of 7 720 rhino have been poached since 2010 and that number is constantly growing. Up to 3 rhinos are poached every single day. Just think about that for a second…

These animals are senselessly killed for their horns (the horns are brutally hacked from the rhino’s head) which are then smuggled to markets in the East. It's believed that up to 90% of rhino horn ends up in Vietnam before being distributed to other markets such as China, where they are falsely used for ‘medicinal purposes’ or as a symbol of wealth.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volkswagen-amarok-to-the-rhino-rescue/46996/

 

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Volkswagen Amarok V6 gets bolder styling, air suspension ... and 257 kW!

Remember that beefed-up Volkswagen Amarok V6 bakkie German firm ABT Sportsline unveiled earlier in 2019? It seems that the tuner’s Surberg-based rival, Werk 2 Automotive GmbH, thinks the premium pick-could could do with even more power.

The modified European-spec Volkswagen Amarok V6 bakkie you see here has received extensive upgrades under its bright red bodywork, with the most alluring being the added performance, which comes courtesy of a Revo Stage 1 ECU software. The standard 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel, which in this specification produces 190 kW and 580 N.m of torque as standard, has been tuned to send a whopping 257 kW and 750 N.m to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to the tuner, this uprated version of the Amarok V6 is capable of completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 5,6 seconds. For the record, the standard model currently offered in South Africa churns out 165 kW and 550 N.m (or 180 kW and 580 N.m with the overboost function).

To bring the performance-enhanced pick-up to a swifter halt, the company has also equipped it with an uprated braking system, which deploys large 380 mm six-piston stoppers when the brake pedal is pressed. Sports suspension, including a bespoke air suspension component, has been fitted, too. And for added presence, a Oxikat exhaust system joins the party.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/tuner-hands-volkswagen-amarok-v6-bakkie-more-257-kw-power/

 

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CarsGuide review of the Amarok Highline 580 Black

 

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Volkswagen Amarok Canyon (2019) Specs & Price

Volkswagen will soon be introducing a limited edition Amarok Canyon in South Africa and the model will be on display at the upcoming Festival of Motoring taking place from 22-25 August 2019. Take a look at specification and pricing details below…

Amarok fans have reason to get excited with the limited edition Amarok Canyon due to arrive in South Africa very soon. The offroad-inspired Amarok Canyon will be on display at the upcoming Festival of Motoring.

Power comes courtesy of the familiar 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque on offer with an 8-speed automatic transmission. An overboost function increases outputs to 180 kW and 580 Nm.

In terms of features, the Amarok rides on 17-inch Aragua alloy wheels and features a black-painted grille with 2 horizontal chrome strips and 6 vertical chrome bars, Bi-Xenon headlights, black styling bar and side tubes and heated power side mirrors in body colour. The model is rounded off with ‘Canyon’ decals seen down the side of the vehicle.

Customers will be able to purchase the Amarok Canyon as of October 2019 but will be able to view the vehicle at the Festival of Motoring.

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon - Price in SA

VW Amarok Canyon - R799 000

The Amarok Canyon is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km and 5-year/90 000 km service plan

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volkswagen-amarok-canyon-2019-specs--price/47225/

 

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Volkswagen Amarok Canyon V6 in South Africa: full specs announced

Back in May 2019, we brought you initial details on the Volkswagen Amarok Canyon V6. And now VW South Africa has announced specifications for the special-edition bakkie.

Like other V6-powered Amarok models offered locally, the newcomer draws 165 kW and 550 N.m (and 180 kW and 580 N.m on overboost) from its 3,0-litre, six-cylinder turbodiesel heart, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

So, what sets the R799 000 Canyon V6 apart from other Amarok variants? Well, it is available in a model-exclusive “Honey Orange” metallic paint, while it exterior door handles bear a matte-black finish and its grille features black and chrome-effect trim.

The body coloured side-mirror caps, meanwhile, gain chrome-effect strips, while the wheel arches, styling bar and side tubes bear a black finish. You’ll furthermore notice “Canyon” decals along the flanks as well as 17-inch “Aragua” alloy wheels.

Inside, the Canyon boasts partial-leather upholstery with “Honey Orange” stitching, seatbelts with orange-coloured seams (a hue repeated on the multi-function steering wheel), “Greenhouse” black roof lining, Canyon-branded floor mats, stainless steel pedals and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon V6 in South Africa: full specs announced… - CAR Magazine

Back in May 2019, we brought you initial details on the Volkswagen Amarok Canyon V6. And now VW South Africa has announced specifications for the... Read more →

www.carmag.co.za

 

[Drifter]

R800K, lol.

 

[FiestaST]

Meet 'The Beast': Volkswagen Amarok V6 handed a menacing makeover

Earlier in 2019, German tuner delta4x4 transformed the Volkswagen Amarok V6 bakkie into what it dubbed “The Beast”. Now Erkner Gruppe has revealed its own “The Beast” package, a sinister-looking Amarok sporting a wrap and extra off-road equipment.

The modified Volkswagen Amarok V6 you see here has received a “high-quality” wrap in a brushed black metallic hue, while the standard pick-up’s chrome details have been finished in an in-house produced black paint. At the front, the bumper and bull bar have been finished in the same hue.

Although the 3,0-litre V6 is unchanged, the firm says it has equipped the Wolfsburg-based automaker’s premium bakkie with added off-road components, sourced from the aforementioned delta4x4. Additional accessories include a roof-mounted LED light bar and an aluminium roller blind for the loading bay.

For the record, the model you see here boasts the European-spec V6 turbodiesel mill (which we earlier reported is still under consideration for the local market), which sends 190 kW and 550 N.m of torque to all four wheels (here wrapped in thick BF Goodrich all-terrain rubber) via Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Meet 'The Beast': Volkswagen Amarok V6 handed a menacing makeover... - CAR Magazine

Earlier in 2019, German tuner delta4x4 transformed the Volkswagen Amarok V6 bakkie into what it dubbed “The Beast”. Now Erkner Gruppe has revealed its own... Read more →

www.carmag.co.za

 

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DRIVEN | That other bakkie - Volkswagen's Amarok V6 TDI

The steering tends to err on the heavy side of things especially at lower speeds, which may be a problem for drivers that can’t do a 150kg bicep curl. Overall I would say that the Amarok is a good bakkie. It feels solid with good build quality and has an equally impressive gearbox.

The only thing holding it back is its price tag that sits just under the R750 000 mark, which is more or less in-between the cheaper Toyota Hilux 4.0-litre V6 Legend 50 and the more expensive Ford Ranger Raptor.

DRIVEN | That other bakkie - Volkswagen's Amarok V6 TDI | Life

'Once you’re strapped in and ready to go, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine becomes the central point of excitement', writes Akivan Kemraj .

www.wheels24.co.za

 

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DRIVEN: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 TDI Canyon 4Motion

The ride quality is firm over poor-quality roads common in the Eastern Cape but is needed to allow for the loading of a tonne of goods in the loadbay. On decent gravel and tar sections, the firmness provides a near-perfect setup that in turn delivers safe handling when you decide to make use of the impeccable powertrain.

There was one feature missing from the Canyon that I would have appreciated: paddle shifters. With this amount of power and the sporty characteristics of the V6 and the ZF gearbox, it’s plenty of fun to flick through the gears, choosing shift points both up and down.

At R799 000, the Amarok Canyon is certainly pricey but it’s also capable of ticking a variety of boxes, from workhorse to luxury SUV. And even (almost) sportscar...

FAST FACTS

Model: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 TDI Canyon 4Motion
Price: R799 000
Engine: 3,0-litre V6, turbodiesel
Power: 165 kW from 3 000 to 4 500 r/min
Torque: 550 N.m from 1 400 to 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 8,0 seconds
Top Speed: 193 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 9,0 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2: 236 g/km
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: Five-year/90 000 km service plan

DRIVEN: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 TDI Canyon 4Motion - CAR Magazine

PORT ELIZABETH, Eastern Cape – “Bakkie” is a term fully owned by South Africa. Yet, when applied to a V6-powered Volkswagen Amarok, it doesn’t seem […]

www.carmag.co.za