Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/volkswagen-reveals-off-road-ready-amarok-canyon-special-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/volkswagen-reveals-off-road-ready-amarok-canyon-special-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/volkswagen-reveals-off-road-ready-amarok-canyon-special-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Volkswagen Canyon Amarok - front three-quarter view on the rocks

The Volkswagen Amarok Concept revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show was a paean to freestyle kayaking, its Baladi Orange hue and 18-inch High Gloss Adamantium Dark wheels on knobbies with raised white letters showing off a wilder side of VW's pickup. True, it was no Rhinemetall Defense conversion or a Colt Seavers tribute, but it was about as far out as the Amarok was going to get from the factory.

The response to it was positive enough for VW to put a production version into the pipeline, available next year. The exclusive exterior hue has been changed to Copper Orange (other colors will be available in early 2013), the wheels are smaller and the tires have been swapped for more road-friendly rubber, but otherwise it looks to be all there: the light bar, dark roll hoop, smoked taillamps, black-lipped wheel arches, body-colored skid plates and cargo cover have made the transition. Buyers can choose between two diesel engines and either on-demand or full-time four-wheel drive.

It isn't clear if the gauge cluster includes the three indicators for tilt and climbing angles, but special-edition modifications like the matte chrome covering on the panel, two-tone seats with "Moon Rock" bases and Anthracite accents will let passengers know you're ready for the grizzly yonder. Naturally, as with all other versions of VW's Amarok pickup truck, we won't be seeing it in the United States.

There's a press release just below with all the details.

Continue reading Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition

Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen amarokamarokamarok canyonvolkswagenvolkswagen amarok canyon special editionvwWed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/volkswagen-reveals-off-road-ready-amarok-canyon-special-edition/20327021/article-detail.xml 20327021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-volkswagen-amarok-canyon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-volkswagen-amarok-canyon.jpg <![CDATA[PickupTrucks.com stages global shootout with new Ranger, Colorado, Hilux and Amarok]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/pickuptrucks-com-stages-global-shootout-with-new-ranger-colorad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/pickuptrucks-com-stages-global-shootout-with-new-ranger-colorad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/pickuptrucks-com-stages-global-shootout-with-new-ranger-colorad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Holden Colorado in the Pickuptrucks.com Global Shootout

PickupTrucks.com has turned to its friends in Australia for a look at a few of the most popular midsize pickups found Down Under. The result is the Global Pickup Shootout that pits the reigning-champion Toyota Hilux against the Holden Colorado, Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger. Each truck was faced with a battery of tests that included on-road and off-road performance as well as design and value evaluations.

How did the results shake out? The Toyota Hilux, which hasn't seen a significant update since 2005, is clearly starting to show its age. The truck consistently found itself at the back of the pack, which resulted in a fourth-place finish overall with 29 points. By comparison, the third-place Volkswagen Amarok performed well in the overall value and design segments, but fell behind elsewhere. The German pickup took home 34 points in the evaluation.

The real story here is just how close the first, second and third-place finishers were in the shootout. The Holden Colorado went home with just two more points than the Amarok, thanks largely to its first-place off-road performance, but fell to the Ford Ranger by just one point. That means that the Ranger, Colorado and Amarok were split by just three points in total. Head over to PickupTrucks.com to take a look at the very detailed comparison for more information.

PickupTrucks.com stages global shootout with new Ranger, Colorado, Hilux and Amarok originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokcoloradofordhiluxholdenpickuptrucks.comrangertoyotavolkswagenvwThu, 30 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20311939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/pickuptrucks-com-stages-global-shootout-with-new-ranger-colorad/20311939/article-detail.xml 20311939 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-global-shootout-1346332983_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-global-shootout-1346332983.jpg <![CDATA[German dealer creates VW Amarok Colt Seavers Edition [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/german-dealer-creates-vw-amarok-colt-seavers-edition-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/german-dealer-creates-vw-amarok-colt-seavers-edition-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/german-dealer-creates-vw-amarok-colt-seavers-edition-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Usually when we talk about European cars that we want but aren't sold in the U.S., it is relegated to an awesome German V8 wagon, or some new hot hatch that we will never see. Among that list of forbidden fruit is the Volkswagen Amarok, and the latest special edition of the compact pickup just makes it seem like its creators are rubbing it in our collective faces.

The "CS Edition" of the Volkswagen truck is a tribute to Colt Seavers, the main character of the ABC television program, "The Fall Guy," which aired from 1981 to 1986.

In the show, Seavers, played by Lee Majors, was a Hollywood stuntman, moonlighting as a bounty hunter. He would use his knowledge of stunts, especially involving his truck: a 1980 GMC Sierra Grande 4X4.

While Volkswagen does not have a 3/4 ton pickup in its portfolio, the Amarok was deemed a suitable starting point from which to create the "CS Edition." The 80's-inspired machine was built by a German VW dealer in collaboration with Delta 4X4, an off-road accessories manufacturer in the Middle East.

The package features the same gold-on-brown paint scheme with red pinstriping from the show, as well as a front push bar. Delta 4X4 also installed a rollbar with a set of four headlights, courtesy of Hella.

The cost of the whole package is 51,695 €, or about $62,698 at today's conversion rates. The price is roughly double the cost of a standard Amarok, but if you are a fan of 80's action/adventure shows, living in Europe, it's clearly worth it.

If you need a refresher on the truck from the original show, we've included a few photos in the gallery, and a video below.

Continue reading German dealer creates VW Amarok Colt Seavers Edition [w/video]

German dealer creates VW Amarok Colt Seavers Edition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokamorok cscolt seaverslee majorsthe fall guyvolkswagenWed, 25 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20285719/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/25/german-dealer-creates-vw-amarok-colt-seavers-edition-w-video/20285719/article-detail.xml 20285719 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01vw-amarok-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01vw-amarok-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rheinmetall Defense outfits Volkswagen Amarok for world conquest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rheinmetall Volkswagen Amarok LMPV

What good is a truck if it can't be used to invade your neighbors? Not much good. Not much good at all, say the armament experts at Rheinmetall Defense.

At the recent Eurosatory defense expo in Paris - consider it the Geneva Motor Show of military hardware - Rheinmetall unveiled its conversion options for the Volkswagen Amarok, transforming the four-door short-bed civilian pickup truck into a Light Multi-Purpose Vehicle for military applications.

The options list includes a reinforced suspension, advanced communications systems and an automated, motorized turret for a machine gun or grenade launcher. (The actual firearms are another, matter, of course.) Military and paramilitary buyers can order theirs with a variety of engines ranging up to 177 horsepower, with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Somehow, we're guessing that even if this Volkswagen does show up in Canada as is being discussed, we don't see our neighbors to the north getting these sorts of optional extras.

Rheinmetall Defense outfits Volkswagen Amarok for world conquest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokeurosatoryrheinmetallrheinmetall defensevolkswagenvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen pickupvwvw pickupTue, 12 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/20256577/article-detail.xml 20256577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rheinmetall-amarok1web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rheinmetall-amarok1web.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen seriously considering Amarok pickup for Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/volkswagen-seriously-considering-amarok-pickup-for-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/volkswagen-seriously-considering-amarok-pickup-for-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/volkswagen-seriously-considering-amarok-pickup-for-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Amarok - front three-quarter view, white

Full-size pickups continue to rule the sales roost in North America, and there frankly hasn't been much action in the small and midsize segment to generate new interest. Ford finally put its Ranger out to pasture, the Ram Dakota is gone and a Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon replacement has a ways to go before it hits the market. The category's remaining imports - Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline - aren't exactly fresh, and the long-promised Mahindra model hasn't exactly worked out. But surely there still has to be a market for a smaller, fully modern pickup, right?

"Bottom line? We are very interested, but are proceeding very slowly and very cautiously."

Apparently Volkswagen thinks there might be. Autoblog has learned that VW is seriously investigating selling its handsome Amarok pickup in Canada. According to Thomas Tetzlaff, Media Relations Manager at VW of Canada, the German automaker is "presently in the 'evaluation stage,' where we are pouring over data with a fine-toothed comb. Bottom line? We are very interested, but are proceeding very slowly and very cautiously."

Thanks to a number of tipsters, Autoblog has discovered that VWoC is actively discussing the Amarok with its dealer body, which in turn has been gauging customer interest in the truck. Tetzlaff confirms: "Yes, we have had discussions with our dealers and they have given us some very positive feedback. The challenge is to justify the project 'on our own'." Past history suggests that VW's Canadian arm is up to the challenge - as recently as 2009, VWoC offered the Golf and Jetta City models without an equivalent U.S. model.

This suggests that VW is considering importing a TDI diesel model.

Tetzlaff would not confirm which cab styles and powertrain options are under consideration, but he did say, "The powertrain solution would certainly give Canadian buyers a real alternative in the light pickup market." This suggests that VW is considering importing a TDI diesel model. At present, VW builds the Amarok with one of three diesel powertrains in Argentina, offering 138-177 horsepower and 250-310 pound-feet of torque. The Amarok is assembled in both single and double-cab configurations with either rear- or four-wheel drive and is sold in South America, Europe, Russia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

While sounding optimistic about the Amarok's chances, Tetzlaff cautioned, "Our desire to bring such a product to market needs to be balanced with a strong business case. The costs we would need to incur in order to import the vehicle need to be factored into the equation and they are not insubstantial... the project is nowhere near a 'green light' just yet."

And what about here in the States? VW spokesman Mark Gillies: "VW of America has absolutely no plans to sell the current version of the Amarok in the U.S."

Volkswagen seriously considering Amarok pickup for Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokcanadarobustthomas tetzlaffvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen of canadavolkswagen robustvwvw canadavw pickupvw robustThu, 31 May 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/volkswagen-seriously-considering-amarok-pickup-for-canada/20247850/article-detail.xml 20247850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/37-volksawagen-amarok-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/37-volksawagen-amarok-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group previews its wares on eve of Geneva show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-group-geneva-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-group-geneva-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-group-geneva-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador J live image

The Volkswagen Group is comprised of 11 brands producing 240 vehicles across 49 factories throughout the world. So the best way to show off the range of the VW family is to cram a few thousand journalists and VIPs into a massive makeshift stand to outline the Group's goals, what's in the pipeline and what you'll be able to buy later this year.

To that end, VW pulled out all the stops on the eve of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, bringing along 10 vehicles from across the range. We'll be delving into the details of each over the next two days of show coverage, but before that happens, you can read all about what we saw tonight from the cheap seats after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group previews its wares on eve of Geneva show

Volkswagen Group previews its wares on eve of Geneva show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3amarokaudiaventadoraventador jbentleyboxsterbugattiexp 9 fgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showgiugiarojotalamborghiniporscheveyron grand sport vitessevolkswagenvw agMon, 05 Mar 2012 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186221/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/volkswagen-group-geneva-preview/20186221/article-detail.xml 20186221 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lamborghini-aventador-j_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lamborghini-aventador-j.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen may not be returning to the Dakar Rally next year as a competitor - having already proven everything it has to prove - but don't count on seeing a desert completely bereft of VW badges altogether. That's because the German automaker will still be providing the support vehicles that the race organizers couldn't do without.

This will be the third year running that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be supplying the Dakar's support fleet. This year's comprises some 40 vehicles, including 30 Amarok pickups, specially equipped for the occasion.

Along the way F1 legend Jacky Ickx - who, not incidentally, won the Dakar for Mercedes-Benz in '83 - will be giving off-road racing lessons to those lucky enough. Follow the jump for the press blast as the contestants get ready to blast through the South American deserts themselves starting on New Year's Day.

Continue reading Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally

Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokdakardakar rallyvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokTue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20131378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/20/volkswagen-sends-40-support-vehicles-for-dakar-rally/20131378/article-detail.xml 20131378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amarok-dakar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amarok-dakar.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok goes all <i>Baywatch</i> with Portugese lifeguards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/volkswagen-amarok-goes-all-baywatch-with-portugese-lifegu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/volkswagen-amarok-goes-all-baywatch-with-portugese-lifegu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/volkswagen-amarok-goes-all-baywatch-with-portugese-lifegu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Amorak at Portuguese National Institute for Search and Rescue

Get stranded in the waters off a beach in Portugal, and this is what you'll hope to see pulling up on the shore: the Volkswagen Amarok.

In one of its first applications as an emergency vehicle, the Portugese National Institute for Search and Rescue has ordered a fleet of 14 of VW's new pickups for its lifeguards to rescue wayward surfers and swimmers.

The vehicles have been outfitted with emergency lights, surfboard racks and special livery derived from the design of the first Volkswagen SAR concept that previewed the Amarok at the commercial vehicle show in Hanover back in 2008.

You can check out the press release after the jump and the pair of high-resolution images in the gallery for a closer look, just don't expect any slow-motion running shots of Pamela Anderson or David Hasselhoff in their swimsuits.

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok goes all Baywatch with Portugese lifeguards

Volkswagen Amarok goes all Baywatch with Portugese lifeguards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaroklife guardlifeguardlifeguardingportugalportugese national institute for search and rescuevolkswagenvolkswagen amarokwater safetyWed, 24 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20025642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/volkswagen-amarok-goes-all-baywatch-with-portugese-lifegu/20025642/article-detail.xml 20025642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/amorak-lifeguards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/amorak-lifeguards.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok used to demolish massive chimney in place of wrecking ball]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/volkswagen-amarok-used-to-demolish-massive-chimney-in-place-of-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/volkswagen-amarok-used-to-demolish-massive-chimney-in-place-of-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/volkswagen-amarok-used-to-demolish-massive-chimney-in-place-of-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

volkswagen amarok trucks pulling down old chimney
A team of Volkswagen Amarok trucks bring down a massive chimney - Click above for high-res image gallery

Why use expensive, heavy-machinery when a small fleet of pickup trucks is all you need? One demolition crew in the United Kingdom was prepping to bring down a 154-ton chimney when Volkswagen stepped in and offered up four Amarok trucks to haul down the massive 220-foot tall smoker.

As with any such pull-down-style demolition, engineers were called in to reduce the structure's integrity before letting the trucks have a crack at it. Each Amarok had a 656-foot rope running from its bumper to the top of the chimney. The signal was given and all four trucks let their 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engines go to work. The result? A fallen chimney and a marketing goldmine. See the pics below and the press release after the break for the proof of both.

If you're lucky enough to live in the UK where you can purchase an Amarok, the trucks will be arriving on dealer lots on May 9th. Have your £21,343 (including VAT) ready, or borrow $35,263 from a (very good) friend in the United States.

UPDATE: Volkswagen has released video footage of the Amarok demolition team in action, click past the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok used to demolish massive chimney in place of wrecking ball

Volkswagen Amarok used to demolish massive chimney in place of wrecking ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokamarok truckunited kingdomvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokvwvw amarokThu, 05 May 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19931846/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/05/volkswagen-amarok-used-to-demolish-massive-chimney-in-place-of-w/19931846/article-detail.xml 19931846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/002-volkswagen-amarok-chimney-demolition-1304541843_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/002-volkswagen-amarok-chimney-demolition-1304541843.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/volkswagen-amarok-camper-conversion-ready-for-adventure/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/volkswagen-amarok-camper-conversion-ready-for-adventure/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/volkswagen-amarok-camper-conversion-ready-for-adventure/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Amarok with Bimobil camper
Volkwagen Amarok with Bimobil camper - Click above for image gallery

If you had your heart set on a Volkswagen Amarok before the company made it clear that the truck wasn't heading to North America, prepare to have your wounds lightly salted. A company by the name of Bimobil has gone through the effort of creating a camper conversion for the handsome pickup. Instead of the drop-in style units that we're used to seeing here in the states, the Bimobil piece actually replaces the Amarok's bed altogether. From what we can tell, owners can easily detach the camper once they get to a suitable location in the event they have to go to town for important supplies. You know, like beer. Or a snake-bite kit.

Our Google Translator isn't much help in discerning exactly how much Bimobil is asking for the swank digs, nor what other special features the camper boasts. Even so, we're thinking that there are few better ways to vacation than from the back of a pickup. Besides, how awesome does this thing look? If you happen to speak German, you can head over to Bimobil's website and dream a little dream of mobile living. Otherwise, content yourself by having a look at our gallery below.


Gallery: Bimobil Amarok


[Source: Bimobil via German Car Blog]

Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmarokAmarok BimobilAmarokBimobilBimobilcameraCampercamper pickupCamperPickuppickup camperPickupCamperRVVolkswagenVolkswagen AmarokVolkswagen Amarok Bimobilvolkswagen pickupVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenAmarokBimobilVolkswagenPickupVW pickupVwPickupThu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19617633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/02/volkswagen-amarok-camper-conversion-ready-for-adventure/19617633/article-detail.xml 19617633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/02-bimobil-1283375158_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/02-bimobil-1283375158.jpg <![CDATA[We Repeat: Volkswagen Amarok not coming to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/we-repeat-volkswagen-amarok-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/we-repeat-volkswagen-amarok-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/we-repeat-volkswagen-amarok-not-coming-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volkswagen Amarok - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll say it once again, with feeling (aka, italics): The Volkswagen Amarok is not coming to the United States. If you want one, we're sorry. Vee-Dub simply doesn't think there are enough of you waiting in the wings with cash-in-hand ready to take the fateful trip down to your local dealership. And it's probably right.

After all, the Amarok wouldn't likely sell for less money than a well-equipped and V8-powered full-size pickup truck from one of America's three specialists in the field, and its admittedly attractive specifications probably wouldn't mean it would be more useful to the average Joe, either. Those that really want that torquey little diesel engine (and are willing to pay for it) wouldn't amount to enough sales to make it worthwhile to VW.

Finally, Brazil media relations manager Gilberto dos Santos tells Inside Line that the General Pacheco manufacturing plant in Argentina is slated to be at full capacity churning out about 100,000 units annually, which is the expected demand in the markets the truck is already slated for. That said, if you're feeling slighted, feel free to voice your opinion to your local dealer.


Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok


[Source: Inside Line]

We Repeat: Volkswagen Amarok not coming to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokamarok usAmarokUsVokswagenvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen amarok usVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenAmarokUsvwVW Amarokvw amarok usVwAmarokVwAmarokUsFri, 27 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19609762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/27/we-repeat-volkswagen-amarok-not-coming-to-u-s/19609762/article-detail.xml 19609762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak.jpg <![CDATA[Why It's Not Coming Here: VW Amarok priced at $35k in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/why-its-not-coming-here-vw-amarok-priced-at-35k-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/why-its-not-coming-here-vw-amarok-priced-at-35k-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/why-its-not-coming-here-vw-amarok-priced-at-35k-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volkswagen Amarok - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the last details concerning the Volkswagen Amarok, its price in euros, has been filled in: €26,203, or $35,260 U.S. in the ever misleading straight-up conversion from euros to dollars. Subtracting the 19 percent duty folded into that price in Germany, you're still left spending €21,224, or $28,555 U.S. That's what you call "Holy smokes!"

If we want to make the admittedly difficult attempt to put some context around that without diving into European taxes and price structures, let's take the Golf. The most basic two-door version is €16,650, or $22,399 U.S. Subtract that 19 percent duty and you're at €13,487, which is $18,144. That matches up quite nicely with the U.S. price for the base two-door model: $17,620.

Back to that bog-standard Amarok - at $28,555, you're just a grand short of a Ford F-150 XL Super Cab, which decimates the 122-horsepower Amarok in everything but gas mileage. By the time you get to the Amarok in Highline trim, you're up to 163 hp and you've added four-wheel-drive, but you've also got a €37,169 ($50,022 U.S.) bill before taxes and fees. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why there will be zero VW Amaroks sold in these fifty states. For the rest of you, start saving.


Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Why It's Not Coming Here: VW Amarok priced at $35k in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 amarok2011Amarokamarokveedubvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen pickupVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenPickupvwvw amarokvw pickupVwAmarokVwPickupTue, 20 Apr 2010 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19446386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/why-its-not-coming-here-vw-amarok-priced-at-35k-in-europe/19446386/article-detail.xml 19446386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/amarokpricedeu-1271745735_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/amarokpricedeu-1271745735.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Get Shorty - VW Amarok goes single-cab]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/spy-shots-get-shorty-vw-amarok-goes-single-cab/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/spy-shots-get-shorty-vw-amarok-goes-single-cab/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/spy-shots-get-shorty-vw-amarok-goes-single-cab/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Spy Shots: Volkswagen Amarok single-cab - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the two-door, single-cab pickup truck a thing of the past? Sometimes it seems that way, and judging by the distinct lack of bench seats and long beds we see roaming the parking lots at the local Home Depot, most of us prefer an extra set of doors and a couple more seat belts in lieu of a lower price. Looking around the streets of small-town America, though, not to mention other countries that depend on the personal pickup truck, there's still a need for an honest-to-goodness little work truck - and that often means a single cab.

Volkswagen appears to realize this fact, and here are the spy photos to prove it. Somewhat surprisingly, VW doesn't seem the least bit concerned with camouflaging these single-cab Amaroks, despite the fact that the German automaker has so far only offered a dual-cab configuration. We have no idea when this two-door Amarok may hit the global market, but we'd expect to see the same 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel four-cylinder with 163 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and we still don't expect to see it in the U.S.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Amarok single-cab


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Get Shorty - VW Amarok goes single-cab originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarokamarok single cabamarok single-cabAmarokSingle-cabAmarokSingleCabpickupsingle cabsingle-cabSingleCabVeeDubvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokVolkswagenAmarokvwVW AmarokVwAmarokTue, 16 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19360007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/16/spy-shots-get-shorty-vw-amarok-goes-single-cab/19360007/article-detail.xml 19360007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/vw-amarok-single-spy-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/vw-amarok-single-spy-2.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/volkswagen-amarok-puts-on-official-duds-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/volkswagen-amarok-puts-on-official-duds-for-dakar-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/volkswagen-amarok-puts-on-official-duds-for-dakar-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Amarok Dakar Support Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Dakar Rally, which is no longer run in Africa due to terrorism threats, kicked off from its designated starting point in Argentina on January 1st. Eventually, the competitors will end up back in Buenos Aires on January 17th, but not before traversing 5,600 miles of some of the toughest terrain on the planet.

This year, Volkswagen will be having a rather large presence at the Rally with four race-prepped Touareg SUVs taking part in the event along with 35 Amarok pickups that are acting as support vehicles. In the process, we imagine that the drivers will have plenty of opportunity to put the ridiculously named truck's electronic differential lock, Off-Road ABS, Hill Descent Assist, ESP Plus system and Hill Hold Assist to the test.

Volkswagen would like you to know that the Amarok will be available starting this September in the UK, but has given numerous indications that it won't be coming Stateside. Anyway, hit the jump for the press release and check out the high-res image gallery below of the truck gettin' its rally on.


Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok Dakar Support Vehicle


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally

Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok - Click above for high-res image gallery

Want a new Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck? Well then, now would be the time to let VW know about your interest. Speaking to our man Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com, Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, says that the automaker would need 100,000 takers per year in order to make any money on the Amarok here in the States.

That would be a daunting task for the automaker as the only non full-sized truck that sold that many units last year was the Toyota Tacoma (102,327 units), and the next highest seller was the the Great Grandaddy of the Compact Truck Segment, the Ford Ranger (just 51,097 units).

What's more, the compact truck market is declining, VW doesn't have many dealerships in truck-happy areas of the nation and the so-called "chicken tax" would add a 25% tariff to the Argentina-built Amarok. Add in the fact that Jacoby says there are more pressing vehicular needs that the German automaker needs to concentrate on. In other words... don't get your hopes up.


Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: VW would have to shift 100,000 Amarok pickups to justify bringing them to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Volkswagen Amarok2010VolkswagenAmarokamarokamarok americaamarok usAmarokAmericaAmarokUspickupvolkswagenvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen pickupVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenPickupvwVW Amarokvw pickupVwAmarokVwPickupWed, 16 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19284109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/16/report-vw-would-have-to-shift-100-000-amarok-pickups-to-justify/19284109/article-detail.xml 19284109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/officially-official-volkswagen-amarok-pickup-makes-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/officially-official-volkswagen-amarok-pickup-makes-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/officially-official-volkswagen-amarok-pickup-makes-the-scene/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volkswagen Amarok - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well looky here - it's the latest in a long line of oddly named trucks from Volkswagen. This time, the Amarok refers to a cryptozoological Inuit giant wolf-creature that eats those who dares to hunt alone. No really. Regardless, the Amarok is VW's first pickup truck since the Caddy, aka the Rabbitamino first released in 1980. Aside from being thirty-years more new, the Amarok looks to be a bit, well, more stout.

Spartan, too - especially the no frills interior. And here's the really good part for you truck dudes - it's a real-deal, honest-to-goodness body-on-frame worker bee. Meaning it can haul 2,300 pounds and tow nearly three tons (5,600 pounds) when equipped with VW's 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel four-cylinder that's good for 163 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

A smaller diesel motor with 122 hp and 250 torques will be an option, as well as a direct-injected gasoline engine. True, it's not a Ford F-450 Super Duty. But then again, what is? And really, if hauling a couple of jet skis or a track car are your thing (as opposed to say a yacht), the Amarok could be your truck. If you live in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa or Australia. Predictably we can't get the Argentinian-built Amarok here. But feel free to inflame your trucky jealousy by reading the full press release, after the jump. Hat tips to Carlos and Doug!


Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok


[Source: Pickuptrucks.com via Argentina Auto Blog]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene

Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmarokVolkswagenVolkswagen AmarokVolkswagen PickupVolkswagen Pickup TruckVolkswagenAmarokVolkswagenPickupVolkswagenPickupTruckVWVW AmarokVwAmarokTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19260034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/01/officially-official-volkswagen-amarok-pickup-makes-the-scene/19260034/article-detail.xml 19260034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/vw-amorak.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/volkswagen-amarok-to-tackle-desert-as-official-support-vehicle-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagn Amarok pickup - click above to enlarge

Two months from now, Volkswagen will be expanding its involvement in the annual Dakar Rally in South America. Just as they did last January, factory-backed teams will be competing in the 5.600 mile race through Argentina and Chile. However, this time, those outfits will be fielding four race Touaregs rather than two.

Perhaps more interesting is official word that VW's new Amarok pickup truck will be the official support truck of the for the entire rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has struck a deal with the race organizers, and as a result, the specially outfitted Amaroks will travel the same route as the competitors carrying media, checking out route conditions, and carrying VW crews and race organizers. The Amarok will be built by VW in Argentina starting in 2010, but the automaker has repeatedly said the truck won't be offered in the U.S. market. Learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Volkswagen Concept Pickup - Click above for a high-res gallery

Remember when Volkswagen just named their cars for different winds? Scirocco, Jetta, Corrado, Santana - they all had a certain clean, sweeping quality about them, even if it wasn't immediately clear where the names came from. More recently, however, VW has gone further afield, invoking cryptic names like Touareg (a nomadic Saharan tribe) and Tiguan (Tiger + Iguana). Add this to the list: Amarok.

That's the official name for VW's forthcoming overseas market pickup truck. According to the automaker's press release, Amarok means "wolf" in the language of the hearty, frigid-dwelling Inuit. Alternatively, VW says the appelation "translates into 'he loves stones' in the languages spoken in South America." We'll have to take their word for it, but we can certainly see some sort of stoning at work here.

For its part, Volkswagen actually hasn't unveiled the production version of the Amarok yet, although it did display the fetching concept version (labeled simply as 'Concept Pickup') seen here at last September's IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany, and a prototype example was even spotted running around the Nürburgring in April.

In any case, VW promises the Amarok will launch as a double-cab, four-wheel drive pickup, with a smaller single-cab variant to follow. Built in Argentina, the diesel pickup will hit South America early next year, with Central America coming on stream in the spring, followed by Russia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. As expected, North America isn't in the model's plans at this time. Check out the full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Volkswagen Concept Pickup


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen continues inscrutable naming practice with new Amarok pickup

Volkswagen continues inscrutable naming practice with new Amarok pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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