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THE Volkswagen Amarok V6 diesel could soon pack a 230kW punch – 50 percent more than its closest workhorse pick-up competitor.
That’s the unofficial hint from Volkswagen top brass, keen to point out the potential of the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel that has just gone on sale as the most powerful diesel-powered off-road ute in its segment.
“The engine can do more than what we offer right now … just look at the application of the engine in other [Volkswagen Group] brands,” said one Volkswagen executive, asking not to be named.
The same basic 3.0-litre V6 diesel is used in various Audis – including the sporty SQ5 – where it produces 230kW and 650Nm. It’s also utilised in Porsches, including the Cayenne (193kW/580Nm).
“It’s a very, very strong transmission, very capable,” said Volkswagen Australia technical training manager Kieren Gradidge.
Until the arrival of the Amarok V6 the Holden Colorado boasted the biggest outputs, with 147kW and 500Nm from its 2.8-litre four-cylinder.
“You are a really an SUV focused market not … and the SUV segment is also helping us because we conquer some customers from the SUV market with this car now, with the [Amarok] V6,” said Volkswagen’s director of international sales, Dr Jan Michel.
Volkswagen Australia director of commercial vehicles, Carlos Santos, says there is room to expand the V6 Amarok family.
Santos also said he would consider the lower output versions of the same engine for more affordable Amaroks, although some quietly question the logic given the way the premium end of the ute market is shifting.
“We’ll start with the high ones … and as we develop … we’ll look at all those options that become available to us over time, definitely,” said Santos.
