Volkswagen is preparing an all-new Amarok for 2027, and this one is rather different from the pickup currently wearing the badge.

Designed primarily for South America and built at Volkswagen’s General Pacheco plant in Argentina, the new Amarok will take on the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.

But rather than sharing its foundations with the current global Amarok, which is essentially a Ford Ranger underneath, the new truck is expected to have its roots in Volkswagen’s partnership with Chinese giant SAIC.

That means the Amarok could share hardware with the Maxus Interstellar X, a truck sold as the LDV Terron 9 in some markets. The styling is certainly distinctive.

Volkswagen has teased a heavily camouflaged prototype with a full-width LED light bar, extra daytime running lights, chunky wheel arches, angular windows and substantial roof rails. It looks considerably tougher and more modern than the outgoing South American Amarok.

And there could be some serious performance underneath.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the new Amarok will be electrified and more powerful than any previous version. Reports suggest a flagship 800 TSI plug-in hybrid could produce more than 470bhp and 800Nm of torque, potentially launching this enormous pickup from 0–62mph in less than five seconds.

Yes, a pickup truck.

A diesel is also expected to remain available, while all-wheel drive should feature on the range-topping model. For now, the new Amarok is primarily a South American affair. But if Volkswagen decides to export it, the pickup market could be about to become considerably more interesting.