Autoblog

Rheinmetall Defense outfits Volkswagen Amarok for world conquest

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows, Military, Off-Road

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.

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Volkswagen seriously considering Amarok pickup for Canada

Chris Paukert — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, Canada, South America, Diesel

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.

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Volkswagen sends 40 support vehicles for Dakar Rally

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, South America, Off-Road, Racing

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.

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Volkswagen Amarok goes all Baywatch with Portugese lifeguards

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, Police/Emergency

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.

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

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Volkswagen, UK

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.

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Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

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.

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We Repeat: Volkswagen Amarok not coming to U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, Diesel

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.

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Why It's Not Coming Here: VW Amarok priced at $35k in Europe

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

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.

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Spy Shots: Get Shorty - VW Amarok goes single-cab

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Volkswagen

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.

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Volkswagen Amarok puts on official duds for Dakar Rally

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen, Off-Road

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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REPORT: VW would have to shift 100,000 Amarok pickups to justify bringing them to North America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, Diesel

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.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, South America

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.

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Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen

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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