Volkswagen Amarok Inspires Lifted Special Edition Conquers the Desert

Special edition Amarok commemorates Guinness World Record for fastest time across 10 Australian deserts

The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok may live in the shadow of its closely related sibling, the Ford Ranger, but Volkswagen has a knack for keeping things interesting. The German brand recently upped its appeal with a Guinness World Record-breaking feat: the fastest time across 10 Australian deserts. The stunt has now inspired a special edition of the Amarok for the Australian market.

Starting with an impressive record, an experienced team of drivers including Rainer Zietlow, Marius Biela and Brad Bowman piloted the Amarok across 10 Australian deserts. The team covered the Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, Simpson, Pedirka, Great Victoria, Gibson, Little Sandy, Great Sandy and Tanami deserts, completing 6,421 kilometers (3,990 miles) of challenging terrain in 6 days and 17 hours, the fastest time ‘s team has done it in the past.

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Despite the harsh conditions, Amarok escaped unscathed. According to local media reports car expertThe truck only had one puncture during the adventure, consuming 1,199 liters of diesel along the way. Average fuel consumption is calculated at 18.7 liters per 100 kilometers (12.6 mpg). While not exactly frugal, it’s pretty impressive when you’re battling endless sand dunes and rocky trails.

Desert ready to swagger

Predictably, the record-breaking Amarok looks like a real land vehicle thanks to its many accessories. These include off-road bumpers, extra LED lights, roof racks, snorkels, fancy livery and four spare wheels in the rear bed.

Volkswagen Amarok Guinness World Records Car

Unfortunately, the ready-to-go “10 Deserts Edition”, while fully functional, severely diminishes the visuals. Its exterior upgrades are limited to black decals on the doors, a black rear seat cover, and 17-inch wheels that match the white exterior. Let’s just say, it didn’t win the beauty contest against the record-breaking prototype.

strengthen protection

The highlight of the 10 Deserts Edition is that the suspension has been raised by 40 mm (1.6 inches), resulting in a ground clearance of 275 mm (10.8 inches). Extra underbody protection and thicker tires round out the package, ensuring the Amarok is better able to handle the rugged Australian terrain.

More info: Volkswagen Amarok converted into overland camper van

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine (TDI 500), although that feels like a missed opportunity considering the record-breaking truck has a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 (TDI 600). Without power upgrades, the Ford-sourced engine delivers 207 hp (154 kW / 209 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Given the background of the special edition’s origins, it’s competent but not entirely inspiring.

Price and exclusivity

The 10 Deserts Edition will hit Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2025, priced between AU$59,490 (US$38,700) for the Amarok Life and AU$69,740 (US$45,400) for the Amarok Style. Volkswagen has yet to reveal production numbers for this market-specific model, but it’s a safe bet that exclusivity will play a role in its appeal.

Volkswagen Amarok 10 Desert Edition