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V8-Powered Amarok Hits the Track: Looks Weirder than the G63 AMG 6x6

Since launching the pickup, Volkswagen has done very little to improve the curb appeal of the Amarok. We think that's a real shame. If there's ever going to be a track comparison between the Amarok and a SVT Raptor, the lack of a V8 engine should place the Germans at a disadvantage.
V8-Powered Amarok on Track: Looks Weirder than the G63 AMG 6x6 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
The tuners over at MTM fixed that by taking the 4.2-liter TDI V8 turbodiesel from an Audi Q7 and dropping it under the bonnet of the Amarok. They didn't stop there either, as the mill was tuned to produce 410 hp and 930 Nm of torque (686 lb-ft).

Last time we checked, that's the same power output as a 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and about 50% more torque… from a smaller diesel. The power of German engineering!

After some tweaks to the suspension, a couple of massive 405mm brake rotors and 295/40/R22 Michelin Latitude sticky tires, the V8-powered Amarok was ready for business. And here it is, doing its thing on the track, taking on a Dodge Ram in one of the weirdest comparisons even put together by German magazine Auto Bild.

We wish we could tell you that this is the first time we've ever seen a large V8-powered German pickup truck on a track. But it's not. Earlier this year, somebody had the bright idea of taking the extremely rare and expensive G63 AMG 6x6 onto the same track as Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It wasn't fast, but at least it didn't break.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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