Images of lightly-disguised examples off-roading released.

POTENTIALLY the last step before full unveiling for the new Amarok has been taken by Volkswagen, with release of images of the Ranger-spun model undergoing testing.

Though the next-generation is still wearing camo, the Q-ship coating is not so heavily applied – the similarities to the Ford ute it bases off (below) are obvious, not least in profile. It broadly shares the same silhouette as its sister model.

VW says the images are of late-development prototypes. It has yet to say when it will fully reveal the model, though it could be assumed that moment is still months away, as whereas Ranger is set for June release the VW equivalent has always been signalled as a 2023 entry.

The technical partnership struck between the two firms will see some VWs reinterpret as Blue Oval fare, but with Amarok the reverse is true. Ford in Melbourne led the project.

Though VW designers have apparently developed a bespoke frontal styling and reworked the cabin, and its engineers have worked on their own suspension tune and (it’s said) steering feel, the core ingredients are all from Ford.

VW has confirmed its model will be powered by a turbocharged V6 diesel engine. Ranger, of course also features a 3.0-litre unit.

It’s illogical to imagine the same powertrain won’t be used in the Amarok and hard not to think it would not also deliver a 184kW and 600Nm output, which would keep it sweet with supporters of the current V6, which has slightly more power but less torque.

Nonetheless, for Amarok fans it will deliver a lot that’s new. Comparison with the current model, which with 12 years’ duty clocked is now the oldest ute in the category, will likely reveal little tangible commonality.

VW describes its model as having “a completely new appearance inside and out” and “even more extensive equipment on board”, including “significantly more driver-assistance systems” and new connectivity features. The company also claims it will feature “innovations that have not been seen before in this segment.”

It will be larger than the current fare, 100mm longer with a total body length of 5350mm. The wheelbase grows even more, by 175mm to 3270mm.

Total payload increases to 1.2 tonnes, while more engine and gearbox variants will be capable of achieving a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

An interior sketch suggests a completely new dashboard design that features Volkswagen’s latest steering wheel and its newest ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instruments. A new central infotainment system also features, and it appears the brand will retain some switchgear.

Current Amarok wins favour for being the only ute in its category with full time four-wheel-drive. New Ranger V6 has gone that way, too – was that a result of VW pressure?

Either way, the VW model will take Ford’s a 10-speed automatic gearbox and an all-paw system developed in North America.

Entry-level versions of the Amarok will likely return to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, again from the Blue Oval, being the diesel that Ranger achieves in single and twin turbo form, the latter lifted from the outgoing T6 Ford.

Will VW follow in Ford’s footsteps and launch a pure-electric flagship version of the Amarok?

Given how strongly committed to battery tech the car side of its business has become, it would be hard to bet against that also occurring.