Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok
Manufacturer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Also called formerly known as the Volkswagen Robust Pick-Up (concept)
Production Late 2009–
Assembly General Pacheco, Argentina
Class Light commercial vehicle
Body style Pickup Truck
Single and Double cab
Layout Front engine,
rear-wheel drive or
4motion four-wheel drive
Engine 2.0 I4 FSI turbocharged petrol
2.0 I4 TDI CR 03L diesel
Transmission 6-speed DSG
6-Speed Manual
8-speed automatic
Wheelbase 3,095 mm (121.9 in)
Length 5,254 mm (206.9 in)
Width Double Cab 1,944 mm (76.5 in)
Double Cab Highline 1,954 mm (76.9 in)
Height 1,834 mm (72.2 in)
Designer Walter de'Silva

The Volkswagen Amarok is a mid-size pickup truck built by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV). The Amarok range consists of single cab and double cab, combined with either rear-wheel drive or 4motion four-wheel drive, and is powered by Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines. VWCV considers the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton to be Amarok competitors.

Contents

History

In 2005, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced their intent to build the Robust Pick-Up and off road family of vehicles.[1]

In 2007, popular automotive website WorldCarFans.com publishes first photos captured by RoAnSa Carspy Photography of the development mule of the Robust Pick Up concept vehicle wearing Toyota Hilux body upon a Volkswagen developed chassis.[2]

In March 2008, famed automotive spy photographer Hans Lehmann captures the first image of the Robust Pick up wearing a production body which is designed by Walter de'Silva.[3]

In September 2008, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles releases the Robust Pick Up concept in the disguise as a Search and Rescue (SAR) vehicle, which previews the full design, and is said to be 95% close to the production version.[4]

The Amarok, the first pickup from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, was presented to the general public in General Pacheco, Argentina on the 7th of December 2009 with the President of Argentina Cristina Kirchner attending.[5][6]

Following the Launch in Argentina, the Amarok was a key support vehicle in the 2010 Dakar Rally with 45 vehicles participating. German rocker, founder of the Scorpions, guitarist Rudolf Schenker, is a supporter of the Amarok and himself drove one during the 2010 Dakar Rally.[7]

In November 2010 the Amarok was awarded 4 stars from Euro NCAP under the 2010/2011 standard crash testing procedure.[8]

In February 2011 the Amarok received a 5 stars award from the ANCAP - The Australasian New Car Assessment Program.[9]

Naming

The name 'Amarok' was developed and researched by branding agency Interbrand on request from Volkswagen.[10]

Revealed to the public on 4 June 2009, "Amarok" means "Wolf" in the Inuit language, and Interbrand also claims it is associated with "he loves stones" in Romanic [sic] languages.[10] (Although recursing that phrase back into Romance languages produces significant differences, e.g. in Spanish "él ama a las rocas".) It also resembles "tomorrow" in Irish.[11] It is also the title of a 1990 record album by musician Mike Oldfield, a 2000 album of the German black metal solo project Nargaroth and the name of an open-source music player (version 1.0 in 2004).

Engines

The Amarok is powered by a range of Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) common rail diesel engines, and Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) petrol engine, with a FlexFuel (ethanol) option for the Brazilian market.[12]

As of 2010, the engine range consists of two 2.0L Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) common rail diesel engines which is taken from the Volkswagen_Transporter_(T5), it has been tuned for more torque but less power; the entry-level version produces 90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) which develops a maximum torque of 340 N·m (250 lb·ft) from 2000 rpm. The top of the line bi-turbo version produces 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) which develops a maximum torque of 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) from 1500 rpm.

Fuel consumption in a combined cycle format is as low as 7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) on the rear wheel drive variant to 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg-imp; 29 mpg-US) on the 4Motion theoretically giving the Amarok a 1,000 km (620 mi) range before filling up for fuel.

Engines

Model Years Engine Displ. Power Torque
2.0 TSI 2011– I4 16V 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) 118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp) @ 3800–5500 rpm 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @ 1600–3750 rpm
2.0 TDI (CR) DPF 2010– I4 16V 1,968 cc (120.1 cu in) 90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) @ 3750 rpm 340 N·m (250 lb·ft) @ 1750–2250 rpm
2.0 BiTDI (CR) DPF 2010– I4 16V 1,968 cc (120.1 cu in) 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) @ 4000 rpm 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 1500–2000 rpm
2.0 BiTDI (CR) DPF 2011– I4 16V 1,968 cc (120.1 cu in) 132 kW (179 PS; 177 hp) 420 N·m (310 lb·ft)

Driveline

The Amarok has three drive concepts: rear wheel drive, Shiftable 4Motion and Permanent 4Motion. The Shiftable all wheel drive system can shift drive between the axles whereas the Permanent full time all wheel drive system distributes power through a Torque Sensing (Torsen) differential with a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear axles.

Production sites and figures

The Amarok is currently being produced in the Volkswagen Group plant in General Pacheco, Argentina;[13][14] for South American, Mexico,[15] Russian, South African, Oceania and European markets.[4]

It is expected to produce 90,000 Amaroks annually once production it is at full capacity.[14]

The Hanover site was dropped from possible sites to produce the Amarok due to the Global Financial Crisis and increasing economic costs in Europe in 2009.[14]

In September 2010 it was decided by the Volkswagen Group Board of Management that 40,000 Amarok pickups will be built in Hanover, Germany for the European and small volume markets from the middle of 2012.[16]

The 100,000th Amarok was produced on the 8th of October 2011..[17]

Production Figures:

Model lines

Three equipment lines will be offered on the Amarok; base version, Trendline and Highline.

Base version

The base version comes equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, height-adjustable front seats, variable folding rear bench seats, locking glove box, cargo platform lighting, antenna integrated within wing mirrors, manual window regulators, manual door locking and manual wing mirror adjustment. The front bumper, wing mirrors and door handles come in black.

Trendline

The Trendline grade has over the base version electrically operated door locking, electric windows and wing mirror adjustment as well as a radio with a CD player, climate control (Climatic), multi-functional display, cruise control, front fog lights, 17-inch aluminium wheels. Also painted in the body colour are the front bumper, door handles and wing mirrors.

Highline

The Highline grade has over the Trendline part chrome mirror housings, chrome strips on radiator grille and around the fog lights, chrome rear bumper bar 18-inch aluminium wheels, automatic climate control (Climatronic), leatherette/leather fabric on the interior.

Platform variants

The Amarok was launched in a Double Cab variant with the Single Cab first launching in late 2011 in South Africa [18] and Europe [19]

Other variants

Chassis cab

In the Australian Publication Transport Today, it was reported that Phil Clark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Director in Australia, was trying to convince his German Bosses to add a chassis cab programme to Project RPU.[20]

Cab Chassis variants of both the Single Cab and Double Cab will launch with the 2012 Model Year range.[21]

Spin-offs

Rumoured platform spin-offs include a five to seven seat Nissan Pathfinder and Mitsubishi Challenger rival.[22]

Amarok and Scorpions

Scorpions' band nucleus, Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine and Matthias Jabs are associated since 2009 to the promotion of the Amarok. Rudolf Schenker is the most involved, since his participation in the 2010 Paris-Dakar Rally. Later in 2010, he and the special project division of VW teamed in the design of a unique, custom Amarok, done with the graphics of the Scorpions band and fitted with a 3D, lighted scorpion tail. Rudolf Schenker is featured since November 2010 in numerous blogs and automobile websites with the "Scorpions" Amarok and an equally custom "VW Flying V" guitar built by PGG Guitars in Canada.

Awards

Search and Rescue Pickup concept

Volkswagen revealed their one tonne pickup study at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in September; the SAR Pickup measures 5.18 metres (17 ft) in length and 1.9 metres (6 ft 3 in) in width, and the 1.55 metres (5 ft 1 in) long cargo bed can carry a Euro sized broad pallet sideways.

SAR Pickup concept also was equipped for Lifeguards with: four mobile CB radios, flashlights, first aid kit with a defibrillator, binoculars, two safety helmets, removable neoprene seats for hard wearing, and a blue light roof module with integrated searchlight.

Possible production features that were on the concept: radio navigation system controlled by a multifunction touch screen, differential locks, cable winch and the rear logo opens the tailgate.[4]

2008 SAR Concept Pickup at Melbourne International Motor Show 2009

References

  1. ^ "Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles innovative developments". Web Publications Pty Limited. AutoWeb.com.au. 23 March 2005. http://autoweb.com.au/cms/title_Volkswagen-Commercial-Vehicles-Innovative-Developments/A_104148/newsarticle.html. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  2. ^ "Hilux disguise hides new Volkswagen Taro". WorldCarFans.com. 29 January 2008. http://www.worldcarfans.com/10801292519/hilux-disguise-hides-new-volkswagen-taro. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  3. ^ "VW pick-up - New VW pick-up caught cold". Dennis Publishing Limited. AutoExpress.co.uk. 30 March 2008. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/219225/vw_pickup.html. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  4. ^ a b c Posted by phaeton (2008-09-23). "VW News Blog: VW Pickup Revealed !!!!!!!". Vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com. http://vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com/2008/09/vw-pickup-revealed.html. Retrieved 2009-07-25. 
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  6. ^ "VW Amarok Launches in Argentina". Web Publications Pty Limited. AutoWeb.com.au. 23 March 2005. http://www.insideline.com/volkswagen/amarok/vw-amarok-launches-in-argentina.html. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  7. ^ Volkswagen Motorsport (2010-01-17). "Volkswagen Amarok will be Official Support Vehicle for Dakar Rally". Volkswagen Motorsport. http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/web/news/index.php?&flash=ok&lg=e&st=410&id=3285. Retrieved 2010-03-18. 
  8. ^ "VW Amarok | Euro NCAP - For safer cars crash test safety rating". Euro NCAP. http://www.euroncap.com/results/vw/amarok/2010/408.aspx. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  9. ^ http://www.ancap.com.au/crashtestrecord?Id=388
  10. ^ a b "Interbrand names Volkswagen’s Amarok". Interbrand. insideline.com. 7 December 2009. http://www.interbrand.com/en/our-work/VOLKSWAGEN-AMAROK.aspx. Retrieved 7 December 2009. 
  11. ^ amárach. Wiktionary
  12. ^ Posted by phaeton (2009-06-05). "VW News Blog: Pickup from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to be called Amarok". Vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com. http://vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com/2009/06/pickup-from-volkswagen-commercial.html. Retrieved 2009-07-25. 
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  14. ^ a b c "VW confirms stoppage of plans to build a Pick-up for European market". Forbes.com LLC. Forbes.com. 07.04.08. http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/07/04/afx5184241.html. Retrieved 6 November 2009. 
  15. ^ "Nuevo Amarok | Deja de seguir caminos; créalos". Amarok.mx. http://www.amarok.mx/. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  16. ^ Post a Job (2010-11-19). "VW to Invest 51.6 Billion Euros Over Next Five Years". Businessweek. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-19/vw-to-invest-51-6-billion-euros-over-next-five-years.html. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  17. ^ http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/news/2011/10/Delegation_from_Lower_Saxony_visits_Volkswagen_plant_in_Pacheco_Argentina.html
  18. ^ http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/First-drive-Amarok-single-cab-20110704
  19. ^ http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/A39C1D70CFA9396BCA25794C0021C0CE
  20. ^ Transport Today - Issue 56, April/May 2006, p. 50 
  21. ^ http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f130/volkswagen-amarok-model-year-my12-2012-changes-59680.html
  22. ^ "Volkswagen Namib e Taro II, a pickup e a SUV que serão fabricados no Brasil". Noticiasautomotivas.com.br. 2007-02-02. http://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/volkswagen-namib-e-taro-ii-a-pickup-e-a-suv-que-serao-fabricados-no-brasil/. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  23. ^ www,autoesporte.globo.com (in Portuguese)
  24. ^ a b www.cars-magazine.com.ar (in Spanish)
  25. ^ "www.pickuptrucks.com". News.pickuptrucks.com. 2010-10-06. http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/10/vw-amarok-wins-the-international-pickup-truck-of-the-year-award.html. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  26. ^ "Volkswagen Amarok gewinnt OFF ROAD Award 2011 - Yahoo! Autos". De.cars.yahoo.com. http://de.cars.yahoo.com/11022011/422/volkswagen-amarok-gewinnt-off-road-award-2011.html. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  27. ^ "Volkswagen Amarok erhält den "Goldenen Keiler" - Amarok - VW". Auto.de. 2011-02-06. http://www.auto.de/magazin/showArticle/article/49442/Volkswagen-Amarok-erhaelt-den-Goldenen-Keiler. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  28. ^ "Новости". Vw-commercial.ru. 2011-01-31. http://www.vw-commercial.ru/news/corp/detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=5749. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  29. ^ http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/2011/12/volkswagen-vans-scoops-three-what-van-awards/
  30. ^ http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/toolkit/products/8387232/4x4-ute-of-the-year-meet-the-winner
  31. ^ http://www.motoringmatters.com.au/announcements/vw-amarok-wins-ute-of-the-year-award

External links