A few months before its presentation, the next Volkswagen Amarok reveals itself a little more. The German manufacturer reveals some of the dimensions, performance and configurations of its future pick-up, the technical “cousin” of the new Ford Ranger. An electric variant is under study.
Volkswagen gives some news of the next Amarok, announced for the end of this year 2022. The development of the pick-up is currently coming to an end. Remember that the utility will take over the technical basis of the new Ford Ranger as part of a partnership between the two manufacturers. It is therefore designed jointly by the Australian division of Ford and the Volkswagen team in Germany.
Increased dimensions and performance
The new Amarok crew-cab is significantly larger than its predecessor: 10 cm more in length to reach 5.35 m, and 17.5 cm higher just for the wheelbase which reaches 3.27 m. The load volume and interior habitability benefit from this, as do the vehicle’s crossing abilities thanks to shortened overhangs. Volkswagen also promises a payload of up to 1,200 kg, compared to a maximum of 985 kg on the current model, and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg regardless of the powertrain. Under the hood, Volkswagen is announcing four- or six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units depending on the market, without revealing the power levels for the moment. Propulsion, disengageable all-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive will be offered.
An electric Amarok would be considered
Ford might offer a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger. Volkswagen would have considered this possibility for the Amarok, but would have ruled it out to think about a 100% electric variant. Lars Krause, head of marketing for Volkswagen commercial vehicles, reportedly told British journalists aboutCoach : “ Currently, we are not satisfied with the electric range of the rechargeable hybrid. Never say never, but we’re thinking more of an all-electric version. We believe it is possible. Obviously, we would have to modify certain elements (of the structure, Editor’s note), but yes, we are seriously considering an electric variant. (…) It’s still early, but it could happen during the cycle “.
A 100% Volkswagen visual identity?
The Amarok will be stylistically different from the Ranger. A drawing published by Volkswagen revealed a front face on which the grille and the shield draw an imposing anvil which is reminiscent of the bow of the Mitsubishi L200. The mesh of the front air intake may be horizontal or in “X” depending on the version. The front lights will be positioned in the extension of the grille, in the purest Volkswagen style. The Amarok will keep its wheel arches flattened on their upper part. The interior design will also be in line with the rest of the range. The German firm presents this Amarok as a premium pickup. The dashboard can be covered with imitation leather, a digital dashboard can complete the vertical central screen, the front seats can have electric adjustments, and more than 30 driving aids will be offered, including twenty that were not available on the previous generation of Amarok.
The range will be divided between Amarok, Life and Style equipment levels, to be combined with PanAmericana or Aventura configurations optimized for off-road or road use respectively. In some countries, the next Amarok will be offered as a single-cab version. It will be produced in South Africa.
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