Volkswagen Amarok W600: Sporty On-Road Pickup from Walkinshaw
Update: After an official preview earlier this year, Walkinshaw has fully unveiled the new VW Amarok W600 in Australia, so this story has been updated with new photos and information about the pickup.
Most automakers offer off-road versions of their mid-size pickups with various modifications, but Volkswagen is taking a different path.
The new Amarok W600, developed for the Australian market in collaboration with engineering firm Walkinshaw Performance, focuses on on-road handling and sporty appeal rather than rock-crawling or dune-driving capabilities.
Heir to the W580 Legacy
The W600 model continues the lineage of the previous-generation W580, receiving a series of style and chassis updates. The pickup was announced in November 2024, with a preview in January 2026. In June 2026, the new model was fully unveiled ahead of sales starting in August.
What Changed?
The upgraded Amarok is distinguished by a front bumper with a honeycomb grille, an LED light bar, sporty air intakes, and a unique skid plate design. The new front end is complemented by wheel arch extensions and 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin road tires. Also present are a sport bar in body color, electric side steps, bespoke badges, and dual exhaust tips promising a deeper sound.
Inside, the cabin features Walkinshaw logos on the headrests and floor mats, aluminum pedals, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, a 12-inch multimedia display, and an optional electric roller shutter for the cargo bed.
Built for Corners, Not for Dirt
The most important change is hidden under the body. The W600 gets a special suspension developed with input from Koni, including a new rear anti-roll bar.
Painted blue for easy recognition, the new suspension is tuned for more precise handling and a smoother ride, without compromising the basic off-road capabilities of the Amarok’s ladder frame.
Regarding Performance
Despite the sportier chassis, there are no modifications under the hood. The pickup retains the standard 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 producing 247 hp (184 kW / 250 PS) and 600 Nm of torque. Speaking to CarSales, VW Commercial Australia Director Nathan Johnson explained the engine choice, noting that the more powerful V6 from the Raptor was simply “unavailable” for use in the Amarok.
Nevertheless, Michael Chinci, Product Manager at VW Commercial Vehicles Australia, hinted at potential performance upgrades. As reported by CarExpert, Chinci said during the W600 launch:
“Obviously, Walkinshaw is our performance brand, and they are known for performance, and in the past, they’ve tuned various engines in the HSV days. So yes, we’re always looking for opportunities to go that way, but at this stage, we can’t confirm anything.”
Will There Be an Off-Road Amarok?
If the sporty Amarok isn’t for you, and last year’s four-cylinder 10 Deserts Edition didn’t catch your eye, it might be worth staying tuned. Earlier this year, Amarok Product Manager in Australia, Michael Chinci, told Drive that a more off-road version is not ruled out.
While Chinci emphasized that the W600 is the current priority, he acknowledged that an off-road modification is “never off the agenda.” A future Amarok W600X could eventually take the place of the discontinued W580X, potentially bringing a more aggressive style and greater ground clearance for the new generation.
Price and Availability
Volkswagen Australia has yet to confirm the pricing for the new Amarok W600, which is reportedly set to arrive at Australian dealers in August 2026. It is expected to be more expensive than the flagship Amarok Aventura, which currently starts at AUD 82,990 (USD 59,445).
In previous talks with local media, Chinci explained that Walkinshaw special editions are available exclusively for customers in Australia and New Zealand, but they would be “a little crazy not to explore it further,” hinting at the possibility of wider distribution in the future.
For now, the rest of the world can rely on tuners like Delta 4×4, which equips the VW pickup with wide wheel arch extensions, a lift kit, and new wheels with off-road tires.
Walkinshaw
Thus, the Volkswagen Amarok W600 by Walkinshaw is an interesting experiment that challenges the traditional notion of a pickup as a purely utilitarian or off-road vehicle. By betting on improved on-road handling, the company is trying to attract buyers who value dynamics and style but do not plan to regularly venture into serious off-road terrain. The lack of engine changes might disappoint some enthusiasts; however, hints of possible future power increases and the potential arrival of the off-road W600X version leave room for the lineup to evolve. For now, the W600 remains an exclusive product for Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the uniqueness of these markets.