VW Amarok

[Galaxy]

The prices have been announced. In Germany it starts at ? 26,203 (including 19% VAT) for the fwd 122hp version. There are two 4x4 systems available which both cost ?2000. One is a permanent AWD system, the other is manual with a transfer case. The second system comes standard with underbody protection. Both models can be ordered with a locking rear diff for ? 672. There are tho suspensions available . The standard system is more comfort oriented. As a ? 0 option the Amarok can be ordered with a HD suspension with leaf springs at the rear. This will allow a payload capacity of 1,150kg (2 535lbs). Currently the biggest engine available has 164hp. There are three trim lines available. The basis, Trendline, and Highline. Highline starts at ? 34,432. A loaded Amarok comes in at slightly over ? 40,000.

[S204STi]

With that engine selection it wouldn't stand a chance in the USDM.

That payload seems kinda weak as well, but then again I'm not totally up on the typical payload of a small pickup.

That said, it looks totally awesome.

[Galaxy]

That payload seems kinda weak as well, but then again I'm not totally up on the typical payload of a small pickup.

Well it is around 500lbs less then an F-150 can carry, but around 1,800lbs more then a Ranger. I am not sure what the Amarok's tow rating is, but the Touareg is rated at 3,500kg (7,716lbs), I am assuming that the Amarok's rating is the same.

[Submariner]

Well it is around 500lbs less then an F-150 can carry, but around 1,800lbs more then a Ranger. I am not sure what the Amarok's tow rating is, but the Touareg is rated at 3,500kg (7,716lbs), I am assuming that the Amarok's rating is the same.

Is that the V8 or diesel Touareg?

[Atomic]

looks nice!

[Galaxy]

Is that the V8 or diesel Touareg?

All Touareg I & II regardless of engine can tow 3500kg.

[Payman]

Put the smooth VR6 in it and ship it here.

[Galaxy]

Put the smooth VR6  V6 TDI in it and ship it here.

Fixed it for you.  I think a V6 diesel pickup would be a selling point. Since it has would be unique. Many competitors offer V6 gassers. The Jetta diesel seems to sell quite well in Canada.

Btw, I believe that chicken tax, or no chicken tax this will eventually make it to the USA.

[93JC]

The Jetta diesel seems to sell quite well in Canada.

The Mk IV did. The Mk V & VI? Not so much. Too expensive.

[2o6]

Umm

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=20614.0

[Galaxy]

Umm

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=20614.0

Opps. I did want to do a search , but the search feature seems to be broken, or at least painfully slow. 

[giant_mtb]

Opps. I did want to do a search , but the search feature seems to be broken, or at least painfully slow. 

Don't worry about it.  2o6 is probably the only one that remembered that thread.  From December.

[cawimmer430]

No V8 option? WHAT THE F... 

[Catman]

They need a partnership with Dodge so they can drop in a Viper V10.

[68_427]

No it's too peaky.

[the Teuton]

With that engine selection it wouldn't stand a chance in the USDM.

That payload seems kinda weak as well, but then again I'm not totally up on the typical payload of a small pickup.

That said, it looks totally awesome.

I think Autoblog did an estimate the other day...it would basically start at $28k supposing some of their conversions and estimates are right...

This thing isn't meant for us.

[Galaxy]

I think Autoblog did an estimate the other day...it would basically start at $28k supposing some of their conversions and estimates are right...

This thing isn't meant for us.

But if they build it at the new plant in Tennessee then perhaps it will be less expensive.

[Galaxy]

They need a partnership with Dodge so they can drop in a Viper V10.

Why partner with Dodge when they have an inhouse quad turbocharged W16? 

[ifcar]

But if they build it at the new plant in Tennessee then perhaps it will be less expensive.

It would be such a niche vehicle that I don't think VW could justify building it at multiple plants.

[Galaxy]

It would be such a niche vehicle that I don't think VW could justify building it at multiple plants.

Perhaps. But maybe the niche of a small diesel powered pickup just might be a fairly large one, considering how much Americans love pickups. Of the question is if they would except a VW diesel.

[ifcar]

Perhaps. But maybe the niche of a small diesel powered pickup just might be a fairly large one, considering how much Americans love pickups. Of the question is if they would except a VW diesel.

Volkswagen has no truck reputation among Americans and current VW customers would not be the target market. Volkswagen just isn't a mainstream brand in the U.S., with the Jetta as its only volume seller. Coming only as a crew cab further hurts sales -- the popular pickups here are all sold in dozens of configurations, including el cheapo base versions.

If it did turn out to be a great vehicle, it would have a chance at selling modestly. But a chance at selling modestly isn't a reason for VW to invest heavily in bringing us this truck.

[the Teuton]

If I want a mountain goat of a truck, VW isn't the name I think of. When is the Mahindra truck getting here?

[2o6]

Galaxy, are you sure it's FWD? The Amarok is a reskinned Hilux/Tacoma.


I'm very disappointed in VAG.

[Cookie Monster]

Galaxy, are you sure it's FWD? The Amarok is a reskinned Hilux/Tacoma.


I'm very disappointed in VAG.

I thought it was RWD (from your thread). Where does it say it's FWD (other than Galaxy's post?

[2o6]

I thought it was RWD (from your thread). Where does it say it's FWD (other than Galaxy's post?

It's based upon the Tiguan.

[Cookie Monster]

It's based upon the Tiguan.

[2o6]

It explains the weak payload and possibly the higher price, too. It's likely unibody.

[ifcar]

It explains the weak payload and possibly the higher price, too. It's likely unibody.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/12/first-drive-review-2010-volkswagen-amarok.html

"The Amarok might be European-designed, but that doesn?t necessarily mean it?s soft. Despite early predictions of a unibody chassis, like the Honda Ridgeline, it?s a conventional body-on-frame workhorse with MacPherson struts at the front and leaf springs at the rear."

"The Amarok will be available as a rear-drive or with two different types of four-wheel drive. There?s fulltime all-wheel drive, which VW recommends for slippery tarmac as well as light gravel duties."

[2o6]

Hmmn. Intresting.

[Galaxy]

It explains the weak payload and possibly the higher price, too. It's likely unibody.

I don't understand the issue with the payload. Most F-150s can load less.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/

Note that payload does not include towing, where the F-150 blows the Amarok away. I don't know how important it is to the average American pickup driver to be able to tow over 10,000lbs.