FEATURE – delta4x4 Volkswagen Amarok
Aftermarket conversions of the HiLux, Ranger, Navara and Triton are pretty common, but what about the Volkswagen Amarok? The VW ute may not be the first choice for local modifiers and customisers (apart from Walkinshaw Performance), but in Germany, it’s a different story. One of the biggest aftermarket tuning firms and off-road accessories providers in Germany is delta4x4 and the Amarok presented here is one of their newest creations.
If you’ve never heard of them, delta4x4 are based in Unterumbach, near Munich in southern Germany, and have been in existence for more than 40 years. The company was started by three off-road enthusiasts in 1980, with their first products being for the Suzuki LJ80 (aka Jimny).
Josef Loder, one of delta4x4’s trio of founders, took an LJ80 on the Dakar Rally in 1982 (back when it still ran from Paris to Dakar), kickstarting a connection to the gruelling event that lasted for years. After he finished participating, Loder offered guidance for Dakar newcomers on how to prepare vehicles and get their paperwork sorted.
From those initial Suzuki parts. delta4x4 expanded to produce and supply parts for Ford, Nissan, Jeep, Fiat, Mercedes, Volkswagen and even Hummer four-wheel drives, along with many other brands. These days, they employ more than 20 people and their main stock consists of upsized wheels and tyres (including their own brand ‘Loder Tire’), wheelarch flares, lift kits, bullbars, roof racks and auxiliary lighting.
Beyond their range of parts and accessories developed in-house, delta4x4 also stock premium products from Mickey Thompson, PIAA, Yokohama, Continental and Cooper Tire.
As well as supplying parts, delta4x4 fits them, too, with a range of upgrade and conversion kits that they can install on the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, Mercedes G-Class and VW Amarok, along with other makes and models.
It’s interesting to note that, even though delta4x4 is located close to Germany’s major automobile manufacturers, Loder rates the Ford Ranger as his favourite 4x4 to work on, due to its affordable price, high standard specification level and powerful engine options.
The subject of this feature, though, is the Volkswagen Amarok, specifically the second-generation version that was released earlier this year. And while it’s based on a new Amarok with 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, most of what’s shown here can also be applied to Amaroks with the 2.3-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo and bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engines, as delta4x4 do not alter the drivetrain or four-wheel drive systems in their upgrade packages.
Their modification of the first-generation Amarok was called the “Beast,” so naturally, this latest offering is “Beast 2.0”. Ahead of the Gen2 Amarok’s release, delta4x4 had already rendered what the Beast 2.0 would like, which they said caused considerable excitement within the Amarok off-roading community, both in Germany and beyond.
Beast Features
To fully unleash the off-road potential of the Amarok, delta4x4 starts by fitting a 100mm body lift kit, consisting of special aluminium spacers between the frame and body, along with lengthened lines, hoses and other components as required.
Next, a new suspension package is fitted, adding a further 50mm, while 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tyres on the vehicle pictured make for a total increase in ride height of 170mm from stock. According to delta4x4, this lift allows the Amarok to effortlessly overcome obstacles and conquer challenging terrain.
The wheels are delta4x4’s own “Hanma” 18-inch alloys, which have a concave, multi-spoke design. They’re not beadlocks, but the outer ring on these 18x9 wheels can be replaced in the event of damage during rough driving conditions.
Should the customer want them, delta4x4 can also fit 35-inch tyres, as their kit is designed to accommodate them. Delta4x4 adds that their kit for the Amarok is designed to meet regulations for vehicles with tyres of this size, even outside of Germany and the EU.
To suit the larger wheels and tyres, the Beast 2.0 also runs a set of delta4x4 wheelarch flares, which increase the body width by 120mm. As you can see from the images, these are well integrated into the Amarok styling and almost look like factory-fitted products.
Made from high-quality polyurethane, the flares give the Amarok a ‘wide body’ look and enable the jacked-up dual cab ute to perform with confidence on rugged terrain, according to delta4x4. For urban environments, the front wheel flares also incorporate distance sensors to assist with parking.
To light the path ahead, the Beast 2.0 is fitted with a set of PIAA lights that have been incorporated into the grille, while red tow hooks up front and black side steps are also fitted. The finishing touches are delta identification in place of the VW badging on the nose, tail and flanks.
According to delta4x4, all their products are certified for use in Europe, so turning a stock Gen2 Amarok into a Beast 2.0 won’t impact its ability to be road-registered.
Price of the Beast
In terms of pricing, the cost to turn an Amarok into a ‘Beast 2.0’ adds up to €10,200 (AU$14,300 approx.). This starts with €2,600 (AU$3,650 approx.) for the 100mm body lift kit, while the 50mm suspension upgrade adds a further €1,600 (AU$2,250 approx.). The 18-inch Hanma wheel set with 305/60R18 BF Goodrich tyres is priced at €2,900 (AU$4,000 approx.). The flare extensions are €1,800 (AU$2,550) per set, while the side steps cost around €700 (AU$980 approx.) a set. The subtle PIAA LED lights for the grille start at €600 (AU$840 approx.).
Prices listed are for the products only and do not include installation or painting (if required). Australian estimates are based on exchange rate at time of writing and do not factor in things like shipping, import duties, etc., nor if such upgrades are approved for use here.
At present, delta4x4 appears to have no presence in Australia. Their Facebook page hasn’t been updated since 2019 and their email address is inactive.
Regardless, what’s shown here may serve as inspiration for Gen2 Amarok owners and buyers to upgrade their own rig in similar fashion.
To find out more about delta4x4, their products and the vehicle conversions they offer, go to their European homepage HERE.
