VW Amarok W580S auctioned for charity

The very first VW Amarok V6 from Walkinshaw Automotive has been auctioned in support of the Black Dog Institute.

The Amarok W580S, tuned by Walkinshaw Automotive Group and bearing serial number #0001, was completed back in April, 2021, but never offered to the public. Instead, the former Holden performance builders and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, along with ebay’s charity partner Bid for Good, collaborated to offer the performance ute at auction.

The auction would benefit the Black Dog Institute, with all proceeds going toward the Institute’s work in providing support, research and discussion around mental health.

Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, said he was pleased to see the W580S go to such a worthy cause.

“We always knew we wanted to do something special with Amarok V6 W-Series number one - and this is definitely it," said Davies.

“In what has been an extremely challenging year for all of us, we’re proud to be partnering with the Black Dog Institute and in some small way contribute to their excellent, and much needed work.”

Based on a 2021 Amarok Highline TDI580 Highline V6, the W580S auctioned benefitted from Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s touch, with key upgrades over the standard model including a bespoke suspension tune with MTV twin-tube shock absorbers front and rear, 20x9.0-inch ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion tyres. This package raises the ride height, but as the tyres are road-biased, off-road capability is actually less than in factory form.

Cosmetic alterations include a new grille and lower bumper that retains the factory bi-xenon headlights and LED fog lights. A sailplane-style sports bar has also been added, along with a bonnet protector, underbody protection, a multi-piece tub liner and identifying decals.

Walkinshaw Automotive add a custom twin exhaust system, but make no changes to the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, so the factory 190kW and 580Nm maximums are unchanged, although up to 200kW is available on overboost.

The eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION four-wheel drive system are unchanged from factory spec.

Inside, the W580S features leather seats with Walkinshaw-branded headrests and tailored floor mats on top of the standard Amarok Highline TDI580 Highline equipment, which includes a 6.5-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and sat nav, as well as Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control.

Bid for Good’s online auction of Amarok W580S #0001 opened on 23 November and closed on 28 November.

Normally priced from $79,990 (+ on road costs), the auction of Amarok W580S #001 generated $101,980, all of which will go to the Black Dog Institute.

Karen Elliff, Director, Funding and Partnerships from the Black Dog Institute, said: “We’re very grateful to Volkswagen for undertaking this very special auction to raise funds for mental health research. The funds will go towards continuing our research to help more people seek mental health support where needed and in providing immediate support tools for those who have identified they need help.”