The battle for supremacy in a freshly-formed midsize luxury pickup class is becoming very exciting. The well-known companies are entirely devoted to developing a midsize pickup truck for the markets around the world. Of course, the primary audience will be the customers in the USA, where vehicles like this have an excellent sale rating. Moreover, we had a chance to see tesla pickup recently, GMC has a Canyon Denali, and even the BMW is considering to enter the game. So, will the rest of the automakers follow this trend? According to specific sources, we will see Audi Pickup Truck very soon, as one of the contenders for the middleweight title.
The Ingolstadt-based carmaker will probably edit a bit the Volkswagen Amarok into a high-class pickup. This actually might turn out to be a great idea. Just think about it, the Amarok is a reliable vehicle with excellent engineering. The combination of an Audi’s latest corporate design, high-end interior, and the US compliant engine, this pickup might become an outstanding vehicle. However, at the moment, the company hasn’t confirmed anything regarding the building of the pickup model. As far as we know, Audi didn’t release an official statement or decline the rumors either. So, let’s find out what could be the Audi Pickup Truck, shall we?
Audi Pickup Truck – The Possible Design Solutions
The VW recently delivered an updated version of the Amarok pickup. We believe that the Audi Pickup Truck will be based on this, slightly refined variant. Still, the Audi will probably add minor changes to the front, to establish the company’s recognizable styling. With that in mind, we assume that the ongoing Q7 SUV will be the closest reference to borrow from.
The SUVs hexagonal grille and headlight design will probably be added to the pickup model as well. However, the Amarok’s body demands a taller grille and taller hood than the one on the Q7. So, expect to see a larger front side of the truck. Also, Audi will probably discard the massive lower air dam.
On the sides, the squared-off wheel arches and tires will provide a more truck-like appearance. The same goes for the big, upright glasshouse. Still, we hardly believe that the Aud will include the Amarok’s chrome sports bar in the bed. These roll-bar-like features are a trendy thing nowadays, after their bloom in the ’80s. For example, GMC and Chevy include these features in their trucks.
On the back, we expect to see the same bed and step bumper as on the VW Amarok. But, Audi will probably add high-quality LED taillights, to add some distinctive details. All in all, design-wise, Audi Pickup Truck will be very similar to the VW Amarok. But, there will be a good portion of unique details and redesigned features, which will differentiate these two vehicles.
What About the Engine?
In Europe, the refined Amarok uses a 3.0-liter TDI V6, which produces an outstanding 221 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. But, we’re all aware that the Audi Pickup Truck would never have this type of engine, thanks to Volkswagen’s Dieselgate Scandal. So, Audi must find another powertrain option. We look towards the Q7 once more for the possible solution.
The Q7 for the US market uses a 3.0-liter TFSI gasoline V6 engine. This supercharged unit produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The V6 mill is connected to the Volkswagen’s 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. If the company incorporates this setup in the pickup, there’s a good chance that everything will work very smooth.
The VW calls this system 4Motion, Audi calls it Quattro, but they are the same thing. But the Amarok’s 4Motion configuration is a bit complex that a similar system on the US market. For example, part-time 4WD setups with two-speed transfer cases are the standard, providing the vehicles like GMC Canyon a range between RWD, 4WD, and 4WD low. The 4Motion system in the current Amarok is a full-time system with no low range. Still, it offers an off-road mode, locking the rear differential, and downhill descent control.
Audi Pickup Truck Price and Competition
Audi Pickup Truck will come with a hefty starting price, and it will probably be more expensive than similar vehicles on the US market. With that said, expect to see the starting price land somewhere between $48,000 and $50,000. But, the company will add several upgrading packages, that will raise the price probably over the $60K mark.
The main rival of Audi’s pickup will be the fellow German vehicle. Mercedes, in partnership with Nissan developing a brand-new truck for the global market. However, the company is still determining will it be available for the US as well. But, Mercedes don’t want to miss such a chance. Although it will be based mostly on Nissan Navara, Mercedes truck will offer the homegrown engine options.
The possible powertrain options span from 2.0-liter 4-cylinder to powerful V6 mills. The starting price of this model will be in line with the luxury midsize class, which means it will start around $45,000.
