Walkinshaw performance packages hinted for Volkswagen Amarok W600

Owners may eventually have the opportunity to extract even more performance from their Volkswagen Amarok W600.

At the launch of the W600, representatives from Volkswagen suggested there may be upgrade packages available in the future for the upgraded dual-cab – which the company is calling the “ultimate driver’s ute”.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia (VCVA) product manager Michael Cenci gave some clues about what could be in store for the turbo-diesel V6 that powers the W600, which makes the same 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque as the rest of the Amarok range.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

“Obviously, Walkinshaw are our performance brand and they’re known for performance, and in the past have tuned various engines in the HSV days,” said Mr Cenci.

“So yeah, we’re always exploring opportunities to go down that road, but there’s nothing that we’re in a position to… confirm at the moment.”

Indeed, Walkinshaw Performance already offers an aftermarket '680 Power-Up' kit for the previous Amarok W580, which increases peak torque to 680Nm.

But the potential to enhance your Amarok W600 may not just be limited to its engine.

CarExpert spied a pre-production development vehicle in a car park at the W600’s launch (pictured above), with a big brake kit hiding behind 20-inch alloy wheels – featuring a different design to those found on the Walkinshaw.

“At the end of the day, with a product like the W600, we have to look at the total package and also be competitive from a price point in market,” answered VCVA brand director Nathan Johnson when asked why the W600 didn’t come with larger brakes as standard.

“Now, upgraded brakes may not be the requirement for every single W600, but it may be an opportunity for us moving forward to further enhance this car from an accessories or an upgrades point of view.”

Mr Johnson also talked about Walkinshaw “scaling on projects in terms of volume, but also in terms of additions to the project's performance, and so forth”.

“That’s the beauty of this relationship that we have with them, so we are exploring other areas where this car could be enhanced in the future – or additional offerings being [sold] through to the customers in the aftermarket, or through our dealerships as well.”

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom