New Volkswagen Amarok Will Grow Larger and Become a Hybrid on a Chinese Platform

The new Volkswagen Amarok will be radically different from the current pickup. The next-generation model will grow larger, move to a new body-on-frame architecture, and get a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, while a seven-seat SUV will also be developed from the same platform.

The first-generation Volkswagen Amarok debuted in 2010 as the brand's midsize pickup. In the current generation, the model shares its technical underpinnings with the Ford Ranger. The new Amarok will be the next stage in the development of the family, with Volkswagen planning to expand it with additional models.

Amarok Will Get Noticeably Larger

Volkswagen has already shown a preview of the new Amarok at a rodeo festival in Barretos. Even under camouflage, the pickup showed straighter body lines and noticeably larger dimensions.

According to Autoesporte, the foundation will be the Chinese Maxus Terron 9 platform. The construction will remain body-on-frame and use a layout described as a “semi-monocoque.” The new Amarok is expected to measure 5.50 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 1.86 meters tall, with a 3.30-meter wheelbase. For comparison, the current pickup measures 5.35 meters long, 1.95 meters wide, and 1.85 meters tall, with a 3.09-meter wheelbase.

As a result, the next-generation Amarok will be one of the largest models in its class. The Chinese Foton Tunland, at 5.61 meters long with a 3.35-meter wheelbase, could be larger by these dimensions.

The mechanical architecture will share features with the related Maxus Terron 9, including upright front pillars, a C-pillar, and a cargo bed integrated into the cab. However, the front end will feature Volkswagen's signature styling with a wide LED light bar separating the headlights.

The main technical innovation will be the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Volkswagen has already confirmed that the new Amarok will be the most powerful version in the model's history. Exact specifications have not yet been disclosed, but output is expected to be around 400 horsepower. That is significantly more than the current 258 horsepower produced by the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6.

Diesel versions are also expected alongside the PHEV, but there is no information yet about the specific engine.

Amarok Will Get a Seven-Seat Sibling

The new generation will serve as the basis for an entire family of vehicles. One of them will have seven seats and take the form of an SUV. Inside Volkswagen, the project is known as “Atacama.”

The model is being developed to compete with the Toyota SW4, GWM Haval H9, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It will share its mechanical underpinnings with the Amarok, while production of the family will be concentrated at Volkswagen's plant in Pacheco, Argentina.

The exact launch date for the new Amarok has not yet been revealed. Volkswagen is expected to provide additional details about the pickup and seven-seat SUV at a later date.