2026 Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw Confirmed: GT Variant First, Hardcore Off-Roader to Follow

Volkswagen Australia has officially confirmed the return of the Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok, set to debut as the second-generation W-Series in mid-2026.

Revealed during a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles event, the upcoming Amarok W-Series will again leverage Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s Australian expertise, this time based on the new Amarok platform, shared with the current Ford Ranger.

Key visual features announced include an integrated front lightbar spanning the entire grille, accompanied by a wider body kit designed to accommodate a broader track. Volkswagen emphasised the continuation of its successful partnership with Walkinshaw, highlighting their shared "DNA and engineering philosophy."

Volkswagen has confirmed the new Walkinshaw Amarok will initially launch as a GT-focused, road-oriented variant, similar to previous versions like the Amarok W580S. A more rugged off-road variant will follow at a later date.

The original Amarok Walkinshaw partnership began in 2020, producing high-performance variants powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with outputs of up to 200kW and 680Nm with performance upgrades.

The new-generation Amarok currently offers a slightly less powerful standard 3.0-litre V6 diesel at 184kW and 600Nm, though performance enhancements by Walkinshaw are highly anticipated.

Further clues to the possible upgrades come from Walkinshaw's recent WAU Ford Ranger special edition. That limited-run vehicle included advanced Bilstein suspension systems, a two-inch lift kit, bespoke wheels and tyres, wider fenders, and integrated auxiliary lighting.

Similar performance and suspension modifications are expected to feature prominently in the new Amarok W-Series.

Detailed specifications and official naming for the new Amarok W-Series will be released closer to its 2026 launch.