Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw

A new flagship is coming: Amarok Walkinshaw Set to Arrive in New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand, October 2026 – Volkswagen New Zealand is set to introduce its most exclusive Amarok yet, with the highly anticipated Amarok Walkinshaw arriving in New Zealand later this year.

Developed in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the special edition flagship brings together Amarok's renowned capability with performance-focused engineering and distinctive design.

A global leader in the design, engineering, development and marketing of performance vehicles, Walkinshaw Automotive Group has built its reputation through decades of automotive innovation and major motorsport operations in Australia. The Amarok Walkinshaw combines this engineering expertise with Volkswagen's premium dual-cab ute, creating a distinctive new offering for New Zealand customers.

Designed to deliver an engaging on‑road driving experience while retaining the practicality and versatility Amarok is renowned for, the model showcases the latest chapter in the successful collaboration between Volkswagen and Walkinshaw.

"Our partnership with Walkinshaw brings together two brands with a shared passion for engineering, capability and driver engagement. The Amarok Walkinshaw is something truly special for our customers. This special edition amplifies the personality and presence of Amarok, creates excitement around the nameplate and gives customers another reason to choose Volkswagen," says Chanelle McDonald, General Manager at Volkswagen New Zealand.

Based on the Amarok V6 platform, the Amarok Walkinshaw features a comprehensive chassis upgrade package developed by Walkinshaw Automotive Group. Key enhancements include bespoke KONI suspension with Frequency Selective Damping technology, Walkinshaw-specific suspension calibration, a newly featured 22mm rear anti-roll bar, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres. Together, these upgrades have been engineered to further sharpen balance and control, delivering increased stability, handling precision and driver confidence behind the wheel.

The Amarok Walkinshaw also introduces a bold and athletic visual package that sets it apart from the rest of the Amarok range. Unique front-end styling, a signature integrated light bar, electrically deployable side steps, dual side-exit exhaust outlets and exclusive Walkinshaw badging create a commanding presence on the road. Inside, the cabin receives a range of bespoke touches including embroidered headrests, sports pedals, premium sill plates and Walkinshaw-specific detailing.

In addition to its exclusive design and engineering enhancements, the Amarok Walkinshaw will be offered with a powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine producing 184kW and 600Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Customer-focused equipment is expected to include IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix headlights, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, Savona leather-appointed seating, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a 360-degree Area View camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist technology.

Ahead of the December launch, Volkswagen New Zealand will provide customers with an early opportunity to experience the Amarok Walkinshaw through a nationwide dealer roadshow. Beginning in October, a pre-production vehicle will travel the country, visiting each of Volkswagen New Zealand's 17 authorised dealerships.

The roadshow will give customers the opportunity to see the vehicle in person, explore its unique design features and learn more about the engineering enhancements that distinguish the Amarok Walkinshaw. As each dealership will host the vehicle for a limited time, customers are encouraged to keep an eye on communications from their local Volkswagen dealership for details of when it will be visiting their showroom.

The first customer vehicles are expected to arrive in New Zealand from December, providing customers with the opportunity to secure one of the most exclusive Amarok models ever offered locally.

Further details, including New Zealand pricing and final specification, will be announced closer to launch.

About Volkswagen: 

Volkswagen is one of the world’s most forward-thinking car manufacturers. Vehicles are produced in 14 countries for over 150 markets. The Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading car and commercial vehicle manufacturers and Europe's biggest car producer. Volkswagen Group is paving the way for the biggest change process in its history: the realignment of one of the best carmakers to become a globally leading provider of sustainable mobility.

For any press enquiries:

India Swney

Spokesperson – Marketing

E-mail: iswney@volkswagen.co.nz

Enable fullscreen mode
© Volkswagen New Zealand 2026

Disclaimer by Volkswagen

  1. The Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is designed to provide a standardised measurement and enables the consumer to make reliable comparisons between vehicles in terms of energy (fuel and/or electricity) consumption, emissions, and electric vehicle range. However, it should be noted that the results of this test may not accurately reflect the actual fuel consumption, emissions, or range that a driver might experience in the real world. Actual results may vary depending on various factors such as driving style, road conditions, temperature, weather, vehicle load, and maintenance. Therefore, the WLTP results should be considered as an indicator of the vehicle's performance and not as a guarantee of the actual energy consumption, emissions, or range that a driver will experience in real-world driving conditions, or for making a vehicle-to-vehicle comparison. All WLTP test values are provided in accordance with New Zealand Land transport Rule: Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Data 2022.
  2. 1.    The information provided on the Volkswagen New Zealand website is for information purposes only.   2.    Volkswagen New Zealand reserves the right to extend, withdraw or change all offers *Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars, include GST and exclude on road costs. 3.    The official fuel consumption, emissions, and EV range figures determined by the WLTP test should be used as a guide only, or for vehicle to vehicle comparison. Actual results may vary due to factors such as driving or environmental conditions.   4.    International models might be shown for illustrative purposes only, and New Zealand specifications may vary. 5.    Some colours in these images are not available in New Zealand, the product guide contains the correct colours available to the New Zealand market.   6.    Additional and optional accessories may have an effect on fuel efficiency. Optional accessories and add-on packages are available at an additional cost.   7.   App-Connect is compatible for selected apps with the latest smartphone versions of iOS and Android, active data service, and connection cable (sold separately).   8.   Safety technologies are designed to assist the driver, but should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices.  9.  Leather appointed seats have a combination of genuine and artificial leather, but are not wholly leather.  10.  Vehicle availability will vary across the Volkswagen range, please stay in the know with delivery timelines. Learn more