FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: More power for VW Amarok V6

Volkswagen has revealed two new versions of its popular Amarok V6 that provide hints to new special-edition utes destined for Australia.

The first is the Amarok Aventura Exclusive ‘premium pick-up concept’, painted in Turmeric Yellow Metallic and powered by a 190kW version of the Amarok’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive.

While Volkswagen says torque is also up but is yet to specify a number, the existing Amarok V6 produces 550Nm of torque and 165kW of power – increasing to 180kW in overboost mode.

That's enough to propel it to 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds, but that acceleration benchmark is likely to be eclipsed by next April’s new Mercedes-Benz X 350d, which will pack a 190kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Claimed to provide “a glimpse of a range-topping 3.0-litre TDI engine”, VW says the Aventura Exclusive concept “shows the road ahead for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles pick-ups. Even more horsepower, with even more torque. This ensures ample power for towing and acceleration.”

Apart from its buxom V6, the Aventura dual-cab concept features high-gloss polished 19-inch ‘Milford’ wheels, chromed side sills, sports bar, front protection grille, exterior mirrors and rear bumper, plus a lockable, waterproof aluminium cargo bed cover and bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Inside, there’s black leather with Turmeric Yellow contrast stitching, 14-way adjustable ergoComfort seats, three-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel with shift paddles, Discover Media navigation, chrome highlights and a new black roof liner.

Meantime, a new Amarok V6 Dark Label special-edition has been confirmed for European release next March, based on the entry-level Comfortline equipment grade and wearing Indium Grey matt paint.

This is matched with dark-coloured add-ons such as black sill pipes, a matt-black sports bar, door-handles and wing mirrors, lacquered chrome strips for the front grille and the ‘Rawson’ 18-inch high-gloss anthracite alloy wheels, and Dark Label logo on the lower door sill.

Inside, a new black roof liner and floor mats feature embroidered Dark Label logos and the limited-edition will be available in Europe with a number of V6 TDI powertrains – 120kW with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive or on-demand 4MOTION 4WD, and 150kW with a six-speed manual gearbox and 4MOTION, or an eight-speed auto and permanent 4WD.

Both EU6 emissions-compliant engines feature BlueMotion Technology including idle-stop and brake energy recuperation, and the Dark Label is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, though it’s unclear whether it retains the standard Amarok V6 dual-cab’s one-tonne payload and 3500kg towing capacity.

The German company’s Australian subsidiary last month released a new cut-price version of its lusty Amarok V6, with the $55,490 TDI550 Sportline undercutting the TDI550 Highline ($59,990) and TDI550 Ultimate ($67,990).

Now, with the Toyota HiLux TRD, Ford Ranger Raptor and all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class coming, Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) has made it clear it intends to release more (and more powerful) versions of the Amarok V6, which has been so popular Down Under that it will outsell 2.0-litre diesel Amarok by the end of this year.

“We're only too aware that the über ute segment is expanding and we're not about to fall behind in the power stakes,” said VGA General Manager Corporate Communications, Paul Pottinger.

“Reception for Amarok V6 has been overwhelming and V6 versions will come to account for the majority of Amarok sales by year's end.

“We'll be able to say more about specific new versions next week, but special-editions are very much us."

Watch this space for more details on Volkswagen Australia’s Amarok V6 specials following the Frankfurt motor show opening on September 12.