Launched in 2010, the Amarok is Volkswagen's first mid-size pickup truck. A global vehicle, it's currently being built in three factories in Germany, Argentina, and Algeria. However, despite being sold in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, the Amarok is not available in the United States, despite rumors that Volkswagen could bring it here as a competitor for the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. On its way to a redesign, the Amarok is still being used to showcase near-production concept cars at auto shows in Europe. The latest example is the Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept, which previews the company's brand-new diesel engine.

Finished in a special paint and fitted with bespoke interior appointment, the Aventura Exclusive concept signals the introduction of a new range-topping engine. Based on the existing 3.0 TDI, this new V-6 delivers significantly more power and will essentially give customers access to a sportier version of the pickup truck. Alongside the new turbodiesel, the concept truck also previews new exterior and interior production features. There's no timetable as to when these will become available, but until we have more information, let's check out the concept truck in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept.

Exterior

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the Aventura Exclusive concept is the Turmeric Yellow Metallic paint. Inspired by turmeric, a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, the paint has a gold-like sparkle that's rather unusual for a pickup truck. But paired with the high-gloss, polished 19-inch wheels, the finish gives the Amarok an exotic look.

There's also extra chrome on side sills, the bar on the cargo box, front grille, mirror caps, and rear bumper, while the bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights add to its sporty appearance. Volkswagen is also using the concept to showcase its new roll cover system, a lockable, waterproof cargo bed cover which will be available for the first time in an aluminium design. The underbody guard also features an aluminium look that matches the chrome detailing.

Interior

Inside you'll find black leather upholstery seasoned with Curcuma Yellow contrast stitching. Curcuma is yet another spice used in Asian cuisine and it's actually related to turmeric. Needless to say, this Amarok is a pinch of curry away from being a special-edition for the Indian market.

Other highlights inside the cabin include 14-way adjustable ergoComfort seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and Discover Media navigation system. The black roof liner previews an upcoming feature for the standard model, as does the chrome-look trim on the dashboard and center console. The pickup truck also features a ParkPilot system and a rear-view camera.

Drivetrain

There's big news under the hood too, as this concept truck introduces the company's new turbodiesel engine. Displacing 3.0 liters, just like the one already offered in the Amarok, this V-6 powerplant cranks out 258 PS (254 horsepower). This accounts for a 34-PS (33-horsepower) increase over the existing V-6 unit. While torque figures aren't yet available, Volkswagen claims this new engine comes with "increased torque," so it's safe to assume that it delivers more than the current range-topping 410 pound-feet of twist.

The pickup truck also features a 100-percent mechanical differential lock for increased off-road ability, but other than that, there isn't much info to run by.

Conclusion

Amarok-based concepts have been a common sight at the Frankfurt and Paris Motor Shows in recent years, but very few of them actually brought new production features. The Aventura Exclusive concept seems to be of the same variety, with only a couple of features set to become available on the production model, but stands out thanks to its beefed-up drivetrain. The fact that it previews a range-topping engine for the nameplate makes it quite a big deal and the fact that the unit in question is an oil burner could be a sign that Volkswagen is getting back on its feet after "Dieselgate." Too bad that the Amarok still isn't available in the United States.

References

2018 Volkswagen Amarok

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok.