The Volkswagen Amarok W600 Walkinshaw has just been revealed, boasting some impressive cosmetic and handling enhancements. Here’s what you can expect ahead of its arrival locally in 2026.
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has benefited from Ford’s know-how and while the Ranger and it share a lot in common in terms of engines and interior, there’s no halo model, until now. Enter the Volkswagen Amarok W600 Walkinshaw.
What is Walkinshaw?
The Walkinshaw Group is an Australian-based engineering firm which has built a serious reputation for its aftermarket enhancements and working closely with OEMs. This Amarok is not its first rodeo, it has worked with many brands prior.
Interestingly, it seems that the Walkinshaw enhancements are not for the off-tar excursions but rather on-road handling and dynamics. There’s a custom suspension with Walkinshaw-tuned Koni shocks and dampers and 22 mm anti-roll bar at the rear.
Visually, there are new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in trick Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres, retractable side steps, side exit exhaust pipes, wider wheel arches, mud flaps and a sharp-looking body kit complete with an LED light bar at the front.
It appears the standard engine has remained untouched, and its the 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6. Making 184 kW and 600 Nm, its paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and we hope it sounds a bit more meaty thanks to the aforementioned sporty-looking exhaust.
Inside, it appears the only changes are some branded metal pedals as well as some embroidered headrests with the Walkinshaw logo.
As a reminder, the Volkswagen Amarok is exclusively assembled in South Africa in Ford’s Silverton plant. It remains to be seen whether the Walkinshaw kits will be sent to South Africa and installed by Walkinshaw-trained technicians or the vehicles sent to Australia for fitment, then return back to the country of origin.
When is the Volkswagen Amarok W600 Walkinshaw going on sale in South Africa?
At the Volkswagen Group Africa Indaba event held early in 2026, Volkswagen Commercial confirmed the Amarok W600 Walkinshaw will be touching down in the 4th quarter of 2026. We’ll have pricing and specifications of this road-biased performance bakkie closer to launch. Watch this space.
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