Volkswagen still pushing for VW Amarok ‘Raptor’

A Ford Ranger Raptor rivalling new Volkswagen Amarok is definitely still on the wish list for the second-generation VW dual-cab 4x4 ute’s engineering crew.

They just can’t figure out how to do it and make money out of it without Ford’s co-operation – something that is not forthcoming at the moment.

Speaking at the recent global media launch of the new Volkswagen Amarok in South Africa, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles program manager Peter Sulc confirmed as much when asked if a high-performance off-road Amarok variant was a chance for production.

“If you ask me as the production manager I will tell you no. If you ask me as the sales guy I will say ‘of course, immediately’,” said Sulc.

While the new Ranger and Amarok are both based on Ford’s Australian-developed third-generation T6 ladder-frame architecture and employ Ford powertrains and transmissions, the Ford Performance-developed hard-core Raptor was explicitly excluded from the deal.

The second-generation Raptor super-ute includes a heap of new performance kit including a 292kW twin-turbo petrol V6, coil-sprung rear-end, multi-mode 4x4 system and adaptive Fox dampers.

Like its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel predecessor, the new Raptor is proving a critical and commercial success commanding a long waiting list.

With access to the Raptor ruled out, Volkswagen would have to conduct a solo development program, which adds up to big bucks.

The possibility of VW’s local Amarok tuning partner, the Walkinshaw Group, taking the next step and developing a direct rival for the Raptor has already been ruled out.

Which leaves Sulc hoping Ford might change its mind about co-operating on the development of a high-performance ute in future, opening the way for an Amarok ‘Raptor’.

“What will maybe the goal for the future – because we are seeking how to make our co-operation better and better – so maybe it will be the way for the future.

“But again without achieving the scales and economics I currently do not see [how to profitably build a Raptor-like Amarok].”

While the Raptor remains off-limits, Ford tech is being accessed by VW to develop plug-in hybrid and EV versions of the Amarok, plus an electric Amarok SUV spin-off.

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