VW teams up with Walkinshaw for ‘ultimate’ Amarok W580

Volkswagen Australia has teamed up with Walkinshaw to create what the company says is the ‘ultimate GT-Spec’ Amarok, the Amarok W580.

The fruit of approximately 12 months of development work between the two companies; the tuned Amarok has been given a host of unique styling and performance upgrade from Walkinshaw – once synonymous with turning Holdens into hot rods.

On the styling front, there’s a newly designed front grille and bumper and a custom twin exhaust complete with side pipes at the rear wheels. The bespoke Walkinshaw-designed 9×20-inch ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels shod in 275/50 Pirelli Scorpion tyres, are a nod to VW Australia’s ancestral home of Clayton, which is now Walkinshaw’s HQ and where the W580 will be built.

These are complimented by wheel arch extensions, a sports bar, as well as W580 interior branding with bespoke plague.

While the 200kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission remains untouched, VW says the W580’s running gear is designed to maximise the potency of the most powerful ute in its class.

To improve grip and boost steering feel, Walkinshaw conducted a comprehensive retune of the Amarok’s standard suspension. Overall ride height has increased with the fitment of larger diameter Pirelli Scorpion tyres, while the front suspension has been lifted by 40mm at the front axle line to give the vehicle a more aggressive overall stance.

Amarok W580: Key Features

• Walkinshaw tuned suspension
• 20 x 9 inch ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels
• Pirelli scorpion 275 / 50 R20 tyres
• Moulded sports bar painted in body colour
• Unique decals – bonnet & sides
• Wheel arch extensions
• Tuned twin exhaust system
• Walkinshaw design grille
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Interior W580 branding including plaque with build number
• LED fog lamps

The W580 will be available to order from Volkswagen dealers around the country and online from 1st December, with customer deliveries to begin from April 2021.

Volkswagen also promises the first 30 customers who complete a pre-order online and then proceed to purchase an Amarok W580 will receive an all-expenses paid ‘exclusive Walkinshaw experience’, which includes all flights, transfers, meals and accommodation to attend a Walkinshaw factory tour and a Walkinshaw Andretti United track day.

Pricing and detailed vehicle specification will be announced at the W580’s on sale date.