Limited-run Alpine package for VW Amarok

AS WE await the full reveal of the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok, the Wolfsburg-based brand’s commercial vehicles division has moved to keep the current model top of mind by launching Alpine off-road packages for the ute in collaboration with Seikel.

Volkswagen Group Australia says the 100-unit Alpine and Alpine Plus off-road packages will be available on the Amarok V6 Core Auto, V6 Sportline, Highline and Aventura from next month, adding ground clearance and bush-proofing upgrades.

Priced from $6090, the Alpine off-road package features a snorkel made of polyethylene, a Koni Raid off-road suspension kit that lifts ground clearance by about 25mm and protective cladding for the wheelarches. 

The Koni suspension set-up includes twin-tube shock absorbers with 70mm bores. The fully pre-assembled front suspension strut units comprise Eibach springs, a special cast steel lower retainer for the front shocks and top and bottom spring plates. At the back are 25mm spacers with special leaf spring brackets and additional supports and bump stops.

Priced from $12,090, the Alpine Plus off-road package additionally features rock sliders, engine, gearbox and rear-diff protection plates, protective cladding for the doors and a breather kit for the differentials, transmission and transfer case.

An off-road tyre package can be ordered separately for the V6 Sportline and Highline only. It is priced at $1590 and consists of 5x General Grabber AT3 255/60 R18 112 H XL tyres.

The tyres include large sidewall lugs that are claimed to help protect the tyre body from stones, stacked deflection ribs to protect the upper sidewall area by deflecting obstacles away from the tyre body, and protection ribs that shield the tyre and bead area from damage caused by kerbstones and off-road obstacles.

As a premium partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles since 2012, Seikel developed the Alpine and Alpine Plus “to rigorously high standards”, the former says, which enabled the provision of a manufacturer-backed Volkswagen five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with the shock absorbers covered for three years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brand director Ryan Davies said the brand’s partnership with Seikel “ensures the Amarok V6 even further broadens its appeal for customers wanting a high-output powertrain with even stronger off-road capability”.

“From a V6 Core Auto with an Alpine or Alpine Plus off-road package, through to our flagship Walkinshaw-enhanced models, the Amarok offers a breadth of choice to match its breathtaking performance.”

These off-road packages raise the likelihood that custom configurations of the next Amarok will be offered Down Under.

Last year, Volkswagen and Walkinshaw introduced the Ranger Raptor-baiting Amarok W580X – the second vehicle to emerge from the firms’ collaboration.

The next-generation Amarok, which is based on the new Ford Ranger’s platform and will be produced in factories in South Africa and Argentina in partnership with the Blue Oval, has yet to be shown in production guise, which leads us to believe that even though its American cousin will arrive in Australia soon, the German firm’s new ute will be launched here in 2023.