The Volkswagen Amarok W600, a sports pickup truck developed by the company Walkinshaw, arrived on the Australian market with a starting price of AU$91,990 (equivalent to US$64,100), positioning itself as one of the most expensive vehicles in its category. This value even surpasses that of the Ford Ranger Raptor, although the Amarok W600 maintains the standard 247 hp V6 turbodiesel engine with no performance changes. The second generation VW Amarok shares a platform with the Ford Ranger, being produced in South Africa, but Walkinshaw focused on customization for asphalt.
Prices for Australia were officially released by Volkswagen after the presentation of the Amarok W600 in June 2026. The first units of the model are scheduled to be delivered to consumers from September of the same year.
The cost of the Volkswagen pickup stands out compared to other high-end versions of competing vehicles that are also modified locally, such as the Mitsubishi Triton Raider and the Nissan Navara Pro-4X, which underwent customization by Premcar. It is notable that the Amarok W600 surpasses the value of the Ford Ranger Raptor, which has its starting price set at AU$90,690 (US$63,200). Only the Ford Ranger Super Duty, with its options, can reach a higher price range, ranging from AU$82,990 to AU$99,990 (US$57,800-69,700) in the same market.
Within the Amarok line, the W600 model surpasses the price of the current Aventura, valued at AU$82,990 (US$57,800), and also the previous generation of Walkinshaw, the W580 SE, which cost AU$86,990 (US$60,600). The addition of options, such as an electric shutter for AU$3,450 (US$2,400) and metallic paint for AU$1,100 (US$770), brings the total price to AU$96,540 (US$67,300) before registration costs, making the final value with all fees exceed six figures.
Design and engineering: a pickup truck for the asphalt
Unlike the robustness of the Ranger Raptor, Walkinshaw designed the Amarok W600 for urban use. Chassis modifications include exclusive Koni shock absorbers with selective frequency damping, as well as specific calibrations for the suspension valves. There was also a thickening of the rear stabilizer bar to 22 mm (0.87 inches) and a recalibration of the steering, aiming for greater precision in curves.
The pickup is equipped with 20-inch black alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires. It features a redesigned front bumper, fender extensions, electrically operated side steps and dual exhaust tips, complementing its sporty look.
As expected for this price category, the interior of the Amarok W600 offers a very complete equipment package. The standard package includes Savona leather upholstery, heated front seats and headrests embroidered with Walkinshaw branding, aluminum pedals, a 12-inch infotainment screen and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Performance: the unchanged V6 engine
Despite the high cost, the Amarok W600 maintains the same 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine as the standard Amarok. There are no performance improvements, and the vehicle delivers 247 hp (184 kW / 250 PS) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, with all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This specification puts it considerably below the Ford Ranger Raptor, which, being more affordable, offers 392 hp (292 kW / 397 PS) and 583 Nm (430 lb-ft) with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
Volkswagen executives have signaled the possibility of future performance upgrades, which could fill the W600’s current gap. They also mentioned that the idea of an off-road-oriented version, possibly called the W600X, has not been ruled out, keeping the door open for a potential more direct competitor to the Ranger Raptor.
