The Volkswagen Amarok as we know it is in its final months. The pickup that marked a before and after in the midsize truck segment is bowing out to make way for a new generation that promises to revolutionize the market. But not all is rosy: the legendary V6 engine, which made it an icon of power and robustness, will not be present in the new version. This was confirmed by the top executives of Volkswagen Group Argentina during a presentation in Mendoza, amid a snowfall that put the current Amarok’s 4Motion system to the test.
Marcellus Puig, president of the automaker, and Martín Massimino, Commercial Director, gave exclusive details about the launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The new Amarok will be the result of a partnership with China’s SAIC, a Volkswagen partner for over 40 years. Local production at the Pacheco plant required an investment of US$580 million and aims to build 80,000 units per year, primarily for South America.
«We will launch it in the first quarter of 2027,» Puig stated, making clear that the current Amarok will continue to be produced until then. «We made an investment of US$580 million to develop and produce it. It’s an export vehicle, very important for the local market, but to make business sense it has to reach all of Latin America,» he added.
One of the most controversial points is the farewell to the V6 engine, which won the brand so many fans. Massimino explained that «this is part of evolution. We know the feelings it generates, but today we see new technologies growing. From the first moment we learned about this project and the powertrains, we were convinced it’s a step forward.» Puig went further: «Behind the V6 there is power, torque, and robustness. That is what we must deliver, and the new Amarok will deliver it.»
The new pickup will have diesel, non-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. The engine development, driving feel, comfort, suspension, and design are 100% Volkswagen, while the cost base and development speed come from China. «The tools in China are of tremendous quality and at a cost that cannot be achieved with traditional suppliers,» Puig highlighted.
In parallel, executives took the opportunity to make a strong complaint to provincial governments about the tax burden. «The national government regulated the gradual reduction of the export tax, but the debt is with provinces and municipalities. The tax pressure generated throughout the production chain is unsustainable,» they stated. Meanwhile, the current Amarok continues its course: 800,000 units have already been produced in Argentina, and the brand is preparing for a change that, they assure, will be historic.
che se van al carajo con la amarok sin v6 una picardia todo por la china y los impuestros chorros de las provincias asi nos va llenos de hibridos berretas y sin potencia voten bien liberen el motor o nos quedamos sin naa firmado el gaucho del interior
Para mí esto es un choreo de VW aliándose con los burgueses de SAIC mientras los laburantes de Dodge se cagan de hambre. Me parece que bajan impuestos para ellos, no para los curritos. ¡Viva la lucha obrera! Firmado: El Hombre del Tornillo.