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 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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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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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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Less Than Robust: Volkswagen releases new Saveiro ute in South America

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Volkswagen, South America, Electric

2010 Volkswagen Saveiro - Click above for image gallery

While we patiently await the release of Volkswagen's Robust pickup truck on this side of the equator, our upside-down neighbors to the south have received a VW pickup of their own. Called the Saveiro, the truck seen above is made in Brazil exclusively for the South American market to compete with the likes of the Fiat Strada and Chevrolet Montana (not to be confused with the Pontiac-badged minivan).

For 2010, the Volkswagen Saveiro has been refreshed to look more like the rest of the VW range. Power comes from a flex-fuel 1.6-liter engine, producing 101 horsepower on gasoline or 104 on ethanol, which is a popular fuel in South America. For our part, we don't mind waiting a little longer for the Robust (not that we're likely to get it in the States), but you can check out the Saveiro in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Saveiro

[Source: Carro Online via Autoblog.it]

Less Than Robust: Volkswagen releases new Saveiro ute in South America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen pickup prototype runs the 'Ring

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has just sent out one of its latest models to tackle the Nürburgring. While that in and of itself is not necessarily newsworthy, the fact that it was their upcoming midsize pickup truck, is. While the firm's new Scirocco GT24-CNG is set to contest the 24 hour race at Germany's Nordschliefe, spotting their new production truck at the track was a bit of a shocker.

The track is a great test of a car's handling, power delivery and braking, spanning some 73 turns over its sinuous 18 miles, but the truck isn't expected to be offered in any performance versions as far as we know. Perhaps it was being used as a parts delivery vehicle?

Whatever the reason for its presence at the track, the shooters at Brenda Priddy and Co. caught it for our entertainment. When the truck goes on sale in South America, South Africa, Australia and Europe, it is likely to be called the Robust and will be built at the VW plant in Pacheco, Argentina. No times have been posted for this Green Hell Hauler, but we admit we're more than a little curious.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen pickup prototype runs the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen kills plan for pickup in Europe

Dan Roth — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

High oil prices have snuffed out Volkswagen's plans to build a European-market pickup truck. The vast and versatile loading area of a pickup, while a selling point in the US, is seen by VW as a sales liability on Euro soil. The vehicle's sales potential didn't stand up to analysis by the automaker, which cited oil prices as the culprit for shifting market desires. The Volkswagen Robust is still underway, with the program ramping up to churn 90,000 pickups out of VW's Pacheco, Argentina plant starting in 2009. It looks like Europe will still be graced with funky working vehicles that take the place of our pickups - vive la difference!

[Source: Forbes]

Volkswagen kills plan for pickup in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Robust pickup

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

We've seen the spy shots and we've heard the rumors, and now Pickuptruck.com has sketched up its own interpretation of the 2010 Volkswagen "Robust" pickup truck. While the name is still unconfirmed, the pickup's front fascia is kind of a no-brainer. Expect VW to port over its corporate mug, complete with gaping maw, shallow air dam and headlamps that add a bit more sport to the Touareg's sedate lenses.

When the Robust goes on sale in 2010 it's likely to be available in both two- and four-door versions, powered by a slew of new common-rail diesel engines and possibly a gasoline-powered V6. Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive variants are a distinct possibility, but some version of the Robust coming Stateside is unlikely.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Robust pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 VW Robust pickup

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Volkswagen

Despite what the truck in these photos looks like, it is not a Toyota Hilux rebadged by Volkswagen. No, according to The Car Connection, it's a Toyota Hilux body atop Volkswagen's upcoming Robust pickup. And before you VW fans get too excited, it is not intended for sale in the States. But truck shoppers in South America and Africa will be able to choose between a V6 or common rail diesel in both 2WD and 4WD versions.

[Source: The Car Connection via The German Car Blog]

Spy Shots: 2010 VW Robust pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen Taro pickup?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Toyota, Volkswagen

A couple of spy shots have been circulating the web today, purportedly confirming that Volkswagen is indeed developing a pickup truck. The Toyota Hilux shaped mule is sporting registration plates from Brunswig, Germany, where most of VW's test vehicles originate.

Thankfully, Mr. Levine over at PickupTruck.com has parsed out all the possibilities for the new V-dub and has come away with two separate speculations. The first is that Volkswagen is going to sell a rebadged Hilux as its own, something that it's done in the past when it partnered with Toyota to produce the Hilux-based Taro from 1989 to 1994. The other possibility is that VW is using the Hilux body panels as camo, with an original platform underneath.

World Car Fans believes the latter and expects the truck to go on sale towards the end of 2009, initially in Europe and South American and powered by either a gasoline or diesel mill, with the possibility of VW introducing the pickup to buyers in the U.S. at a later date.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Taro pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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