VW’s New Diesel Performance Truck Could Come to the US

Volkswagen is preparing to launch a new "performance-focused" version of the Amarok, a midsize pickup that shares its underpinnings with the Ford Ranger. Instead of chasing petrol power or leaning fully into extreme off-road theatrics, Volkswagen is taking a different route with the Amarok W600. Developed in partnership with Walkinshaw Performance, the W600 – also called the Amarok Walkinshaw – focuses on diesel power, chassis refinement, and real-world usability. Since Volkswagen has faced a sharp decline in sedan and hatchback sales last year, it makes sense that it's finally on the way, after being revealed more than a year ago. While it;s intial plans were to be an Australian-exclusive, it seems there's a serious chance the Amarok Walkinshaw will sell internationally – that includes the US.

A Diesel Ute Focused on Handling

The Amarok W600 sticks with Volkswagen’s familiar 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel, producing 247 hp (182 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Disappointingly, it shares the same power figures as the standard V6 Amarok. That said, Walkinshaw Performance makes its mark in how the truck drives. The W600 receives a bespoke Koni suspension setup, a revised rear anti-roll bar, and wider Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Together, these upgrades ought to make it one of the best-handling trucks in the segment. A pity it won't be as quick as its petrol-powered Ford brother.

Little Power and A Sporty Exterior

The 247-hp (182 kW) Amarok W600 enters a segment dominated by petrol-powered performance trucks, including the 470-hp (346-kW) Gladiator 392, 405-hp (298 kW) Ranger Raptor, and 310-hp (228-kW) Colorado ZR2. It's definitely an odd entrant into the segment, but its new-and-improved appearance makes it a worthy contender to the heavy hitters – just ignore the expected 0 to 60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.

The standard Volkswagen Amarok is a clean, premium midsize pickup truck, and Walkinshaw’s visual changes add a sense of sportiness. The Amarok W600 gains 20-inch wheels, wider fender flares, unique badging, a dual-exit exhaust, and redesigned bumpers. However, Volkswagen has yet to show us what its front bumper looks like without a piece of digital camouflage covering it up.

Australia First, Global Next?

For now, the Amarok W600 is confirmed only for Australia, with deliveries expected between July and September 2026. That said, the product manager for the Amarok, Michael Cenci, told Australian publication Drive it would be "kind of crazy" not to explore international opportunities. Daniel DeGasperi, another Volkswagen Australia representative, supported the idea by claiming there is interest in introducing the Amarok Walkinshaw "at an international level." Although it might not be as powerful as other gas-powered midsize pickups, the diesel-fed VW Amarok W600 will be a one-of-a-kind offering in the US, if it ever arrives.

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