Get ready for an exciting update in the automotive world! The iconic Volkswagen Amarok is getting a major makeover, and it's all thanks to the collaboration between Volkswagen and Walkinshaw. But here's where it gets controversial... The new Amarok W600 is not just a simple tune-up; it's a complete transformation. While the engine remains the same, the chassis has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, resulting in a more dynamic and responsive ride. And this is the part most people miss... The W600 is not just a jack-of-all-trades; it's a focused on-road tourer. So, what's the secret behind this upgrade? Let's dive in!
The W600's name is a nod to its powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, which produces a whopping 600Nm of torque. But the real magic lies in the chassis. Walkinshaw has fitted new Koni frequency-selective dampers, which are able to mechanically detect the frequency of inputs, making the ride smoother and more controlled. And that's not all... The rear dampers are mounted outboard of the chassis rails, and a 22mm rear sway bar has been added to improve stability. But the real controversy lies in the fact that the W600 is being pitched as a dynamic road vehicle rather than a rock-crawler.
The suspension changes are paired with a significant upgrade in rolling stock. The W600 rides on unique 20-inch forged alloy wheels, designed in Australia by a former HSV designer. And wrapped around those alloys are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres, which are a major shift from the standard Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT tyres found on the standard Amarok. The move to a performance-oriented SUV tyre suggests Walkinshaw is serious about fixing the wet-weather traction issues inherent to the platform.
Visually, the prototype wears camouflage on its more aggressive new front bumper and grille, but we can see an integrated LED light bar that connects the two headlights. The front VW logo has been repositioned, requiring recalibration of the radar and camera systems housed within it. Down the side, the W600 features electrically operated side steps, which deploy when the doors open to make entry easier and then retract once they’re closed. At the rear, a new side-exit exhaust system features dual outlets that emerge behind the rear wheels, providing a meatier exhaust note.
Inside, the W600 builds on the mid-spec Amarok Style grade, with premium leather upholstery and W600-branded floor mats. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the transmission logic. The standard 10-speed automatic transmission lacks a dedicated ‘Sport’ mode for aggressive driving.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but given the extent of the engineering work, the W600 will sit at the premium end of the ute market. We expect to get behind the wheel of a prototype around mid-year, ahead of the W600’s official launch in late 2026. So, what do you think? Are you excited about the new Amarok W600? Or do you think it's just a simple tune-up? Let us know in the comments!
