2023 Volkswagen Amarok gains momentum ahead of launch! V6 turbodiesel and unique design elements to appear in 2022 Ford Ranger twin and new rival Toyota HiLux

An artist's idea of ​​the next Amarok, based on recent official exterior sketches. (Image credit: Wheels)

Volkswagen's seemingly never-ending teaser campaign for the second generation Amarok continued last week with the release of "almost production" exterior design sketches, and now unofficial renders based on them have given us our best look at the new ute.

wheel has posted two images of the upcoming Amarok, which, unsurprisingly, shares a lot in common with its twin, the already-revealed Ford Ranger "T6.2" - yes, both next-generation vehicles were designed and engineered in Australia.

Speaking of design, as promised, the Amarok differs from the Ranger in several unique ways, starting with its front fascia, which notably features angular headlights that are directly connected by a grille.

From the side, it's easy to see the similarities between the Amarok and the Ranger, sharing doors and a greenhouse, although the former has more pronounced square wheel arches.

At the rear, the Amarok continues to stand out with bespoke C-shaped taillights, as well as a relatively flat tailgate with the obligatory Volkswagen badge and embossed AMAROK lettering.

Previous official interior design sketches have shown that there will be a similar story inside, with the Amarok borrowing the Ranger's vertical 12.0-inch center touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, but with its own instrument cluster, center stack and console, steering wheel and seats. .

Crucially, Volkswagen confirmed in January that the latest Amarok will be powered by a "V6 TDI" engine, which is German for six-cylinder turbodiesel.

Despite its own branding, the unit in question should be Ranger's new 3.0-litre Power Stroke unit, which should produce around 190kW of power and 600Nm of torque, power that should satisfy current Amarok V6 fans. Permanent four-wheel drive is also on the menu.

Other turbodiesel engines will also be part of the Amarok range: an updated 2.0-litre EcoBlue EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine is expected, possibly along with its new single-turbo version, rear-wheel drive and part-time all-wheel drive.

In any case, we'll know more about the Amarok soon as it will be unveiled later this year ahead of an Australian launch sometime in 2023. Stay with us.