German-based car maker Volkswagen has fought back by introducing the new Volkswagen Amarok R bakkie version to battle the likes of the Ford Raptor.
The unveiling of this beast comes after speculation that VW planned to build a high-performance R version of the bakkie but the news was not confirmed back in 2020.
According to various motoring websites such as AutoBild, the car was speculated to come with a 221 kW output from a four-cylinder engine.
While VW decided to remain mum on the speculation, it was confirmed in February that the company was thinking and probing the possibility of such a powerful vehicle.
In the wake of massive media reportage, Volkswagen has finally revealed its all-new Amarok with the global media launch in Cape Town, South Africa.
Unlike the Ranger Raptor, Australian media alleged that the Amarok R would possibly come by the way of long-time former Holden tuner Walkinshaw Automotive, who produces the W-series mainly for that market with approval from Volkswagen Germany.
As it is not anticipated that the VW Amarok will exploit its partnership with Ford to a Volkswagen-badged SUV version of the Ford Everest, Petr Sulc who is the marque’s Product Manager for the Commercial division, said a business case needs to be drawn up first before any development could commence.
“If you ask me as a product manager, I will tell you no. If you ask me as a sales guy, I will tell you of course, immediately,” Sulc told Australia’s drive.com.au at the global unveiling of the all-new Amarok in Cape Town.
“What will be the goal for the future? We are always thinking of how to make our [vehicle line-up] better and better”.
According to The Citizen, the new Amarok will be built at Ford Silverton in Tshwane together with the Ford Ranger considering the fact that both the Everest and Ranger Raptor are again sourced from Thailand – so it’s no surprise the cars carry the same design or almost the same looks.
Therefore, should an Amarok R receive the go-ahead from Volkswagen, expect prototype sightings to become a mainstay on the country’s roads throughout next year.
Looking at the features, the Amarok bakkie has undergone a 100% design and boasts more power, and looks much more elegant than before, continuing its decade-old success story.
BusinessTech Africa is informed that the local launch will take place in early 2023 and Volkswagen SA will then share more local specifications and pricing.
