The Amarok/Ranger tie in is getting juicier with rumours of a diesel-powered VW Amarok R to take on the petrol-powered Raptor.

If you weren’t yet aware, the all-new Volkswagen Amarok and all-new Ford Ranger share common elements like platform and powertrains. At the top of the range, sits the halo models, like the Ford Ranger Raptor, complete with a thundering biturbo V6 petrol engine.

If you’re expecting a hot Amarok with the same engine, you’re going to be disappointed as there have been denials that it will happen. However, Volkswagen Australia says a performance model is not off the table, understandable considering VW is not going to be too happy letting your rival having complete market share of the high-performance bakkie segment.

Volkswagen Commercial vehicles Australian director Ryan Davies chatted to CarsGuide about a performance Amarok. The Australian publication was told that the move to a petrol V6 in the Raptor had limitations, as diesel is the segment’s preferred fuel.

“In that, there is an opportunity for us to do something that will meet the market of the Australian buyer,” he said of a diesel V6 Raptor rival, stating that the market share forAmarokis currently 85% for the V6 and 15% for the four-cylinder.

So, if a VW Amarok R were to come to market, what diesel engines would be available? As we know and have experienced, the current-gen 3.0-litre V6 TDI is formidable, with 190 kW and 580 Nm. Ford’s new Ranger will also have a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, developing 184 kW and 600 Nm. Both of these engines comfortably outgun the current-shape Raptor’s 2.0-litre biturbo with 157 kW and 500 Nm.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok Trim levels and engines confirmed

Could it actually happen? Interestingly, VW’s commercial boss said that Australia is the biggest-selling market for Amarok, so it has some leverage and say in the product planning.

A diesel-powered VW Amarok R would target a different buyer compared to a petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor, and while the models share the same platform, differentiation is possible.

“Of course the partnership with Ford will be something we talk about. Ford has already talked about it in the press already, but if you’re going to partner with someone, it’s always good to take two of the best cars in the market and put them together,” he said.

“There’ll be a lot of the same underpinnings, but a lot of the DNA will still be Volkswagen. The styling, the design – it’s Volkswagen to the core. The interior will be appreciated for what Volkswagens are usually appreciated for, especially the quality. It’ll be different.”

As a reminder, both the all-new Ford Ranger and all-new Volkswagen Amarok will be assembled in South Africa at Ford’s Silverton plant.

Want to purchase a new or used Volkswagen Amarok? Browse stock for sale here.

Amarok cabin teaser sketch

Further Reading

Saying good-bye to the V6 Amarok – Oman roadtrip!