Volkswagen and Walkinshaw Performance have let loose their latest lovechild, the off-road focussed Amarok W580X. Just 600 units of the toughest ever Aussie tuned, German born Amarok are now on sale in dealerships across the country.
Building on the success of the W580 and W580S Walkinshaw variants, the W580X uses the same trusted V6 powertrain and chassis but has undergone intensive tuning for local conditions.
The result is an Amarok tailored to the gruelling Australian landscape, that still retains the rounded capabilities of the previous flagship Amarok offerings.
Walkinshaw’s most significant handywork has been done at the suspension level, including an off-road tune, suspension lift, and the addition of multi-tuneable valve twin tube dampers.
These long stroke dampers improve wheel articulation to go further through unpredictable terrain. Specifically, the Aussie grade suspension tune is aimed at providing superior performance on hardpacked gravel, rugged fire trails and off-road hill climbs.
For even larger clearance, the W580X is fitted with wheel arch extenders, or if brute force is what’s needed, a custom bash plate and rock sliders have also been installed. The rock sliders are manufactured from high strength welded steel tubing.
The bash plate uses 4mm marine grade aluminium. Both are fixed to the chassis for optimal strength. Completing the enhanced off-road handling performance are a set of 18-inch forged alloy wheels.
These roll on Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres, featuring an aggressive tread pattern and reinforced sidewall. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is kept on as the preferred transmission, to get the best out of the 190kW/580Nm 3.0-litre TDI580 engine.
Additional all-terrain accessories include a 17-inch, 75-watt LED light bar with both spot and flood beam for powerful 5800lm illumination of the outback night.
A minor facelift for the W580X comprises revised front bumper inserts and upper grille design, and LED fog lights. The cabin is stamped Walkinshaw with branding in the Art Velour seat in trim and floor mats. Heated seats also feature.
Now available from $78,890 plus on-road costs, the 2022 Amarok W580X is set to offer the best in on and off-road dynamics to tackle the unique Australia environment. If you’re keen to own one, and need finance, visit CreditOne.
