Volkswagen’s first allocation of Walkinshaw-produced Amarok W580S sells out in minutes

Amarok W580 pre-production prototype.The first allocation of W-Series Amarok, a collaboration with legendary Australian hot rod tuning house, Walkinshaw, sell out in just minutes. With sales of the Amarok W580S scheduled to commence from midday, by 12:05pm all 30 examples of the first W580s offered are spoken-for, in addition to another 12 vehicles that were ordered before the online pre-order system could close. This brings the first allocation of W580S variants ordered to 42.

  • Online pre-sale for first 30 units commenced today at noon on 3rd December
  • First allocation sold out by 12:05pm
  • Due to overwhelming demand, additional 12 pre-orders taken before online ordering closed
  • Volkswagen to offer money-can’t buy Walkinshaw experience for all 42 early customers

To celebrate the arrival of the Amarok W-Series range, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles had offered a limited online pre-sale of the first high-spec W580S models. The lucky first 42 customers who completed a pre-order online and then proceeded to purchase will now receive an all-expenses paid, money-can’t buy, ‘exclusive Walkinshaw experience’, which includes all flights, transfers, meals and accommodation to attend a Walkinshaw factory tour and a Walkinshaw Andretti United track day.

Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Mr. Ryan Davies, was ecstatic with the early interest, but not entirely surprised.

“We’ve known we’re onto something with Walkinshaw for some time now, and today’s result is just proof of that,” Mr. Davies said.

“The W-Series Amarok is a car made specifically for Australian fans, and we’re thrilled with the support it’s getting. Now the fastest ute in the segment is also among the fastest selling,” he continued.

Further stock will be available both online and from Volkswagen’s national dealer network in the coming months, however no further examples of the W580 will be offered with a Walkinshaw experience.

Amarok W580 pre-production prototype.

About the W-Series Amarok

More than just a token ‘sticker pack’ the W580 and W580S have been given a host of unique styling and performance upgrades from Walkinshaw, including a newly designed front grille and bumper design, a custom twin exhaust complete with side pipes at the rear wheels and a set of bespoke, Walkinshaw-designed rims exclusive to the W580 and W580S; aptly named ‘Clayton’.

In order to maximise grip and boost steering feel of the W-Series, Walkinshaw conducted a comprehensive retune of the Amarok’s standard suspension. Overall ride height has increased with the fitment of larger diameter Pirelli Scorpion tyres, while the front suspension has been lifted by 40mm at the front axle line to give the vehicle a more aggressive overall stance.

The Amarok’s legendary drivetrain, a 200kW/580Nm turbo diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, remains untouched. Much like the apprentice-tuned World Time Attack Amarok that blazed Mount Panorama in 2 minutes, 57.24 seconds, the W-Series’ running gear is designed to maximise the potency of the most powerful ute in its class.

The W580 range is the culmination of some 12 months of closely guarded collaboration between Volkswagen Australia and Walkinshaw, which also saw technical support from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles head office in Hanover, Germany.

Along with the limited pre-sale offer for the first 30 vehicles produced, the Amarok W-Series range is available to order from Volkswagen dealers around the country from 3rd December.

Like all Volkswagens, the Amarok W580 and W580S come with a 5-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, capped-priced servicing every calendar year, optional three and five-year pre-paid service packs and the option to purchase under the flexible Volkswagen Choice guaranteed future value program.

Amarok W580 pre-production prototype.

Amarok W-Series: Spec and Pricing

Amarok W580MRRP $71,990
Amarok W580SMRRP $79,990

Amarok W580 pre-production prototype.

W580 Unique Standard items:

  • 20″ x 9″ Alloy ‘Clayton’ wheels
  • Pirelli Scorpion AT-R Tyres (275 / 50 R20)
  • Wheel arch extensions
  • Front suspension lift and tune
  • Rear suspension tune (twin tube shock absorbers, Fr & Rr)
  • New front upper grille design
  • New lower bumper inserts and fog lamp surround design
  • LED front fog lamps
  • Walkinshaw branded head rests
  • W580 tailored carpet mats
  • Bonnet protector
  • Decals – Side (doors)

Amarok W580 pre-production prototype.

W580S features: in addition to W580 specs, plus:

  • LED fog lamps with cornering function
  • Sail plane styling bar
  • Front under body styling element
  • 5 piece protective tub liner
  • Bonnet decals
  • Vienna leather interior seats with WAG headrest branding
  • 14 way adjustable Ergo Comfort heated front seats
  • Electric folding mirrors
  • Discover Media Navigation
  • Instrument cluster with centre colour multifunction display
  • Tuned twin exhaust with branded tips
About Rob Fraser 318 Articles
Rob first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.