Volkswagen Amarok W580X 2022: Walkinshaw-tuned ute goes off road

Following the successful launch of the grand touring-focused Amarok W580, Walkinshaw has developed a tough new variant designed to smash its way through the outback.

Volkswagen has revealed its next W-Series Amarok developed with Australian tuning house Walkinshaw following the success of the grand touring-focused W580 and W580S.

The 2022 Amarok W580X features similar modifications but with an off road focus and like the aforementioned variants will be offered as a special edition, but an exact number is yet to be determined.

Volkswagen Amarok W580S 2021 front view — Following the success of the GT-spec W580 Walkinshaw has cooked up an off road version

When it arrives in April 2022, the special edition ute will take on rivals such as the Nissan Navara Warrior produced by fellow Aussie tunning house Premcar and the Ford Ranger Raptor which all pack similar upgrades to feed a growing demand for premium utes.

Keeping a similar but rougher looking appearance to the previous model, the Amarok W580X features 18-inch forged alloy wheels wearing chunky all-terrain tyres that are housed inside some extended wheel arches.

Designers have kept the dual black stripes feeding out from the redesigned grille before running over the bonnet, with additional decals down the sides to further distinguish it from a regular Amarok.

Volkswagen Amarok W580X 2022 — The new model has chunky off road tyres, a front suspension lift and heaps of underbody protection

Walkinshaw has raised the front ride height and fitted MTV twin-tube dampers at all four corners with a specific off road tune so the special edition ute can handle a bit more abuse over the rough stuff.

Engineers have also made sure to fit custom bash plates, rock sliders and more underbody protection to keep the Amarok in good shape over sharp surfaces, while an optional snorkel kit will be a good pick for those planning on getting wet.

As far as drivetrain the Amarok remains largely unchanged, but with Volkswagen’s 3.0L turbodiesel V6 producing an unchanged 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque, the ute is still the most powerful in its class.

Volkswagen Amarok W580 2021 assembly line — The Amarok W-Series utes are sub-assembled at the Walkinshaw factory in Victoria

The W580X will be made available exclusively with an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic matched with a four wheel drive system.

Other important features include the integrated LED lightbar, rubber floor mats to keep the interior nice and a tyre pressure mentoring system for some peace of mind.

Walkinshaw has kitted the W580X out with a luxury interior that beings with the fitment of Art Velour seat trim with Walkinshaw Branding and heated front seats.

While Volkswagen has yet to release a price for its new limited edition ute with the previous Walkinshaw-tune models started from $70,000 so expect the sticker to reflect that amount or more.