Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Amarok R-style concept previewed

The Worthersee tuning show yields another concept - the rather unexpected Amarok R-style performance pick-up

The Volkswagen group is taking the 2013 Worthersee tuning show very seriously. After VW revealed a 496bhp Golf GTI concept and SEAT unveiled its 326bhp Leon Cup Racer, the latest concept may not be as potent, but it’s no less interesting.

VW has given its Amarok pick-up an unlikely dose of attitude with a new R-style version. Practical elements – such as the Amarok’s plentiful ride height and simple interior – have been binned. The pick-up rides much lower than standard, while the alloy wheels are now a staggering 22in in size, calling on 60mm-wider bodywork to accommodate them. Other exterior flourishes include a carbonfibre diffuser, larger front air intakes and much bolder exhaust tailpipes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the Amarok R-style gets a black, red and silver GTI-style interior, a pair of bucket seats and a carbonfibre-trimmed dashboard.

Under the skin, the R-style gets a 268bhp/442lb ft 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, hustles the Amarok to 62mph in an almost hot hatch-like 7.9sec.

The VW Amarok R-style has only been seen in these sketches so far, but we’ll publish pictures as soon as we get them. And while its styling is pure concept car, the engine and transmission could feasibly make production, with the similarly powered V6 Nissan Navara Outlaw to rival. Currently, the most powerful Amarok uses a 178bhp 2-litre twin-turbo diesel.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test
evo tyre test 2026
Features

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test

What are the best road tyres for your hot hatch? We tested and ranked nine of them
18 Oct 2026
No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…
2028 Tesla Roadster
News

No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…

The demo for the revived Tesla Roadster was certainly awe inspiring, but don’t start planning your flight routes to work just yet
16 Oct 2026
Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money
Bentley Continental GT Mk3
In-depth reviews

Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money

Bentley’s last-generation GT was an major upgrade on its predecessor and now, it’s properly good value
15 Oct 2026