Volkswagen Amarok W600 Unveiled In Australia With Sportier Styling And Upgraded Suspension
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Volkswagen has officially revealed the new Amarok W600, a special performance inspired version of its pickup truck developed exclusively for Australia in partnership with Walkinshaw Performance. While many truck manufacturers focus on creating tougher off road variants, the Amarok W600 takes a different approach by prioritising on road handling, sporty looks, and improved driving dynamics.
The new model follows the legacy of the previous Amarok W580 and arrives with several visual and chassis upgrades. Volkswagen first announced the project in late 2024 before previewing it earlier this year. Now, the production version has been fully unveiled ahead of its Australian market launch scheduled for August 202
Volkswagen Amarok W600 Gets A Sportier Design
The Amarok W600 stands out from the standard model thanks to a number of exterior modifications developed by Walkinshaw.
Key design highlights include:
- Custom front bumper with a honeycomb grille
- Integrated LED light strip
- Larger and sportier air intakes
- Redesigned skid plate
- Wider fender extensions
- 20 inch alloy wheels
- Michelin performance tyres
- Body coloured sports bar
- Electrically deployable side steps
- Unique W600 badging
- Dual exhaust outlets for a deeper exhaust note
These upgrades give the Amarok a more aggressive road focused appearance while maintaining its pickup truck practicality.
Interior Features And Equipment
Inside the cabin, Walkinshaw has added several exclusive touches to separate the W600 from the regular Amarok.
Notable interior features include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seats | 10-way power-adjustable front seats |
| Upholstery | Leather trim |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system |
| Infotainment | 12-inch touchscreen |
| Charging | Wireless smartphone charging |
| Pedals | Aluminium sports pedals |
| Branding | Walkinshaw logos on headrests and floor mats |
Buyers can also choose an optional electric roller cover for the cargo bed.
Biggest Upgrade Is Under The Skin
The most significant changes are not visible from the outside.
Walkinshaw has developed a completely new suspension package for the W600 with support from suspension specialist Koni. The setup also includes a newly engineered rear anti roll bar.
According to Volkswagen, the revised suspension aims to deliver:
- Sharper handling
- Better cornering stability
- More precise steering feel
- Improved ride comfort on paved roads
Unlike many performance themed trucks that rely mainly on cosmetic changes, the W600 receives genuine chassis upgrades designed to enhance everyday driving performance.
No Engine Upgrades For The Amarok W600
Despite its performance focused image, the Amarok W600 retains the standard engine from the regular Amarok range.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel | 247 hp | 600 Nm |
Power continues to be sent through Volkswagen’s existing drivetrain setup without any mechanical performance enhancements.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia has confirmed that the higher output V6 engine used elsewhere within the Ford Ranger family was not available for Amarok applications.
However, company representatives have suggested that future engine upgrades remain a possibility. Walkinshaw has a long history of performance tuning in Australia, and Volkswagen has not ruled out exploring that direction in the future.
Could An Off Road Amarok W600X Arrive Later?
For buyers hoping for a tougher off road version, Volkswagen has left the door open.
Company officials have indicated that a future Amarok W600X style model is still being considered. Such a variant could potentially replace the discontinued W580X and feature:
- Increased ride height
- More aggressive off road styling
- Enhanced off road hardware
- Greater terrain capability
At the moment, however, Volkswagen’s priority remains the road focused W600.
Volkswagen Amarok W600 Price And Availability
Volkswagen Australia has not yet announced official pricing for the Amarok W600.
The pickup is expected to arrive at Australian dealerships in August 2026 and will likely sit above the current Amarok Aventura, which starts at AU$82,990.
For now, the Amarok W600 will remain exclusive to Australia and New Zealand, although Volkswagen has hinted that broader availability could be explored in the future.
Final Thoughts
The Volkswagen Amarok W600 takes a unique path in the pickup segment. Instead of chasing extreme off road capability, it focuses on delivering a sharper on road driving experience through suspension upgrades, wider tyres, and aggressive styling.
The only thing missing from the package is extra power. The standard V6 diesel remains capable, but many enthusiasts will likely wish Walkinshaw had also given the engine some additional performance to match the truck’s sporty appearance.
Still, for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads, the Amarok W600 offers a fresh alternative to traditional off road focused pickup trucks.
Sources & References
Official Sources
- Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw (Official)
Official Volkswagen Australia page for the Amarok W600/Walkinshaw with specifications, features, and registration details. - Volkswagen Amarok Range (Official)
Official Amarok model range, specifications, and trim information. - Walkinshaw Performance
Official Walkinshaw Performance website, the engineering partner behind the W600.
Trusted Automotive News & Reviews
- CarExpert – 2026 Amarok W600 First Look
Detailed first-look article covering styling, engineering changes, and launch information. - CarExpert – W600 Review
Early driving impressions and analysis of the suspension upgrades and road manners. - Chasing Cars – W600 Revealed
Australian automotive publication with technical details and launch coverage. - Carsales – Driver-Focused W600
Covers engineering changes, positioning, and expected market pricing. - WhichCar – Amarok W600 News
Overview of the Walkinshaw partnership and key W600 highlights. - Carscoops – W600 Overview
US-focused automotive publication summarizing the W600 for international readers.
US Audience Reference Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Volkswagen Amarok W600
What is the Volkswagen Amarok W600?
The Volkswagen Amarok W600 is a Walkinshaw developed special version of the pickup made for Australia. It focuses more on road handling and sporty styling than heavy off road use.
What are the biggest changes on the Amarok W600?
The W600 gets a custom front bumper, honeycomb grille, LED light strip, wider fender extensions, 20 inch alloy wheels, Michelin performance tyres, body coloured sports bar, deployable side steps, and dual exhaust outlets.
Does the Amarok W600 get more power?
No, it keeps the standard 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel. Output stays at 247 hp and 600 Nm of torque, so the main upgrades are in styling and suspension rather than engine performance.
What suspension changes does the Amarok W600 use?
Walkinshaw worked with Koni on a new suspension package, including a rear anti roll bar. Volkswagen says the setup is tuned for sharper handling, better stability, and a smoother ride on paved roads.
What features are inside the Amarok W600?
The cabin includes 10 way power adjustable front seats, leather trim, an 8 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 12 inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, aluminium sports pedals, and Walkinshaw branding on the headrests and floor mats.
Will there be an off road Amarok W600X?
Volkswagen has not ruled it out. A future W600X style model is still being considered, and it could bring a taller ride height, tougher styling, and more off road hardware.
When will the Amarok W600 go on sale and where will it be sold?
The Amarok W600 is expected to reach Australian dealerships in August 2026. For now, it is planned mainly for Australia and New Zealand.
Has Volkswagen announced the price yet?
Not yet. Volkswagen has not confirmed pricing, but the W600 is expected to sit above the current Amarok Aventura, which starts at AU$82,990.
