VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND WALKINSHAW have taken the offroad performance of the legendary Amarok V6 ute to new heights with 600 units of the W580X now available from $78,890 plus on-road costs.
Following the W580 and W580S in the authentically Australian-engineered range of flagship Amarok products, the offroad-focused Amarok W580X maximises the all-roads potential of the iconic V6 engine and leading chassis.
Across 2021 and to May 2022, 90 percent of Amarok sales have been of the flagship V6 powertrain, and to May 2022 some 20 percent of sales have been of a Walkinshaw-engineered variant.
Since the start of production in May 2021, almost 1400 Amaroks have rolled off the Walkinshaw production line in Clayton, Victoria – with the W580X set to add almost 50 percent more volume to that figure alone.
Engineered in the roughest Aussie country conditions, the Amarok W580X expands on the ability of the 190kW 580Nm 3.0-litre V6 TDI580 and eight-speed automatic powertrain that ute customers adore in this segment.
To make the ‘Rok the most offroad-capable model, it starts with 18-inch forged ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpin AT-Plus Tyres (265 / 60 R18) that provide wheel strength and significant sidewall for the roughest conditions.
Walkinshaw has developed a suspension lift and off-road suspension tune for the W580X featuring MTV twin tube dampers, providing the wheel articulation and long-stroke damping qualities essential to dealing with tough conditions.
Engineering targets for the spring and damper selection included enhanced performance on fire trails, hardpacked gravel roads and hillclimbs, while retaining the leading on-road handling and towing capacity the Amarok is renowned for.
Wheel arch extenders join a custom bash plate and rock sliders. Both are mounted to the chassis for maximum strength – the bash plate is pressed from 4mm 5052 Marine Grade Aluminium and the rock sliders are manufactured from high strength ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) steel tube of 350 MPA.
A 75-watt LED light bar with integrated switch allows additional illumination on offroad tracks at night. The 17-inch combination of spot and flood beam tackles breadth and length of light with 5800lm (lumens) output and 6000k colour temperature.
Completing the picture are a new front upper grille design, front bumper inserts and LED foglights, and inside, Art Velour seat trim with Walkinshaw branding, heated front seats and W580X branded rubber mats.
Brand Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Ryan Davies said the partnership with Walkinshaw “continues to bring out the best of German and Australian engineering that remains a flagship Amarok hallmark.”
“The current generation Amarok is widely loved for V6 power and towing, and praised by media for still setting the on-road benchmark for driving dynamics. The W580X retains this high watermark while adding authentically Australian elements perfect for the most rugged local off-road conditions.”