Next-gen VW Amarok won’t have a Raptor version

The next-gen Volkswagen Amarok won’t be getting a Raptor version as the Blue Oval company is keeping its Ranger Raptor blueprint to itself.

Next-gen VW Amarok sketch

For the uninitiated, Volkswagen tapped Ford to co-develop the next-gen Amarok. Although the German pickup truck will be based on the new Ranger’s T6.2 platform, the tech and data of Ford Performance’s more rugged Raptor won’t be shared.

In a report by carsguide, Volkswagen could be looking at other partners to develop a Raptor version for its upcoming midsize pickup truck. One of which could be Walkinshaw, an automotive company that modifies models such as the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM trucks to make them high-performing vehicles.

With that being said, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine with 392 horsepower and 573 Nm of torque on the Thai-spec Ford Ranger Raptor could be out of the new Amarok’s options. This could also include off-road modifications that help enhance the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities.

Ford Ranger Raptor in Thailand

Instead, the new Volkswagen Amarok could get the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine from the regular Ranger. It will also likely be offered with the Blue Oval company’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that can be equipped with either a single or bi-turbos. The single turbo is good for 178 hp and 420 Nm of torque, while the other setup makes 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

As for the design, the German pickup truck could be getting a heavily revamped front fascia considering that the latest Ranger models get an unmistakable F-150-like finish. This should be the same case for the interior as Volkswagen will likely integrate a more contemporary cabin design.

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is slated to make its debut later this year, with no official word regarding its high-performance version. And based on our previous report, Volkswagen Philippines could join the local pickup truck market by offering the Amarok.

Don’t miss the latest updates on the new VW Amarok at Philkotse.com.