Volkswagen Amarok V6 sets record at WTAC
An apprentice-tuned Volkswagen Amarok V6 has broken the two-minute barrier around Eastern Creek at this year’s World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC).
The special ute is based on a stock Amarok V6 Highline. A team of top apprentices from the local VW head office workshop and dealer network made an array of modifications to the mechanicals to make it track-ready, with a target of lapping Eastern Creek Raceway faster than a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
With a lap time of 1 minute 57.01 seconds, the apprentice-built Amarok V6 managed two feats; breaking the two-minute barrier while also smashing the Golf’s benchmark time of 1 minute 59 seconds.
To help the diesel-powered ute to achieve the record time, the team stripped the Amarok of weight, fitted a custom-built suspension package dubbed ‘The Big Bad Wolf’ by engineers at Bilstein, and added an AP Racing brake setup in collaboration with V-Sport technicians. Semi-slick Michelin tyres were also part of the upgrade package.
Meanwhile, visual changes include the matte-grey vinyl applied by Shane’s Signs, in addition to the eye-catching fluorescent orange wheels.
Interestingly, it appears the Amarok went without any engine modifications, sticking with the standard 165kW/550Nm (180kW on overboost) tune of the production model.
“Thanks to this incredible team of Volkswagen apprentices, we’ve been able to show just how much power is under the hood of the Amarok – 550Nm is great for towing a boat or caravan; and now we can add smashing lap times to that list,” said Carlos Santos, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia.
“We’re enormously proud of our Amarok V6, which we’ve always seen as the leader of the pack in terms of power.”
The local arm is keenly awaiting next year’s event, cheekily hinting at a possible challenge against the all-wheel drive Golf R.
MORE: Eight reasons you should’ve gone to WTAC 2017
MORE: Volkswagen Amarok news, reviews, comparisons and video
MORE: Everything Volkswagen