2023 Volkswagen Amarok shaping up: Australian-developed Ford Ranger twin to be 'fantastic' new rival for Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton

Volkswagen is inching closer to the reveal of the second-generation Amarok ute, which is being developed in Australia alongside its fourth-generation Ford Ranger twin.

The first teaser sketch of the new Amarok was released last June, and now a second has been issued, with it providing a glimpse of a more production-ready version of the ute.

Comparing the two, the latest teaser sketch shows wheels, tyres, side steps, doorhandles and a sports bar that look realistic, while the front fascia has been further refined.

Commenting on the fresh Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton rival, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles chairman of the management board Carsten Intra said: “It's not going to be just a fantastic pick-up. It’s going to be a genuine Volkswagen, too – with clear DNA in both technology and design.”

Indeed, while the new Amarok and Ranger will be closely related, much like the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen is adamant its ute will at the very least look different, with the teaser sketches suggesting at the very least that will be the case from the outside.

Riding on Ford’s ‘T6.2’ platform, the new Amarok and Ranger are expected to be available with a range of engines, including 130kW/420Nm single-turbo and 157kW/500Nm twin-turbo versions of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel.

Two V6 engines are also tipped for flagship grades, including a 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel producing about 185kW/600Nm, and a 2.7-litre twin-turbo petrol developing around 230kW/540Nm.

Both models are likely to be offered with the choice of a six-speed manual or a 10-speed torque-converter automatic with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, although the mooted petrol engine option might be exclusively mated to the latter.

And yes, even a plug-in hybrid is on the cards, with it rumoured to pair a turbo-petrol four-cylinder petrol engine with at least one electric motor.

As reported, the new Amarok is expected to be revealed either late this year or early next, with an Australian launch currently scheduled for 2023. Meanwhile, its Ranger twin is set to precede it on all fronts.