Next-gen 2023 Volkswagen Amarok previewed

Volkswagen has posted a second teaser of the all-new VW Amarok pick-up it's set to launch in 2022 and release in Australia in 2023.

Revealing a tougher, more rugged look than the current utility's, the second design sketch released overnight shows how the second-generation Amarok's face will be dominated by its twin-blade shaver-style front-end design, which also gains an angular front bumper featuring a prominent silver bash-plate.

Sporting squared-off wheel-arches, chunky fenders and yet more silver for the side steps, the Amarok in the latest sketch grows a set of door handles missing in the original sketch.

Up top, there's also now a set of roof rails and a pair of slim LED spot lights.

Based on the Australian-developed T7 ladder-frame platform, the new Volkswagen Amarok is being developed alongside the next Ford Ranger, although the Blue Oval's ute will feature completely different styling.

Volkswagen is yet to announce official details but the German pick-up is set to be powered by a turbo-diesel V6 supplied by Ford, most likely the Blue Oval brand’s 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6.

Under the bonnet of the larger Ford F-150 the V6 diesel produces 186kW of power and 597Nm of torque but it may be tweaked to suit the requirements of Volkswagen – and Ford, with its upcoming 2022 Ford Ranger.

Australia remains the world’s largest market for the V6-powered Volkswagen Amarok, with 90 per cent of all VW utes sold in this market rolling out of dealerships with the six-cylinder diesel.

Beyond the new platform, engine, upgraded 4×4 driveline and 10-speed automatic transmission, it’s not yet clear what other Ford components will make their way into the next Amarok, such as the Blue Oval brand's new SYNC4 infotainment system with super-sized touch-screen.

While the T7 Ford Ranger will get a plug-in hybrid option in some markets, the Volkswagen is set to miss out on electrification when it touches down here in 2023.