Volkswagen secretly turned the Amarok into a military pickup truck

Two prototypes, designated MV.1 and MV.2, based on the production Amarok and Crafter models, were built at the Osnabrück plant, after which they were shown to the general public at the Enforce Tac exhibition in Nuremberg, dedicated to security and defense.

Volkswagen engineers took the Amarok pickup truck as the basis for the MV.1, and thoroughly redesigned its technical components. The car was equipped with two independent electrical networks of 12 volts and 24 volts to power special equipment, a special console for installing radios and computers, as well as enhanced underbody protection in the area of ​​the engine, transmission and fuel tank. For covert movement, there is a camouflage lighting mode and buttons to completely turn off external lighting devices.

Military Volkswagen Amarok
Defense Network/André Folkert

The car is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The length of the prototype is about 5.7 m, and the declared fording depth is at least 800 mm. In the exhibition sample, an ATV was placed on a modular cargo platform, which hints at the possibility of using a pickup truck

The second prototype, the MV.2, is based on the Crafter van. Its length is almost 6 m, and its purpose is to serve as a mobile headquarters, communication point or medical evacuation vehicle. The cabin can be quickly converted for a specific task – from transporting the wounded to managing units. The drive is all-wheel drive, paired with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 176 hp. There is a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Model of a military Volkswagen Crafter
Defense Network/André Folkert

Both cars are built on a unified platform, which allows the use of replaceable modules. The plans also include a third version of the military Volkswagen – MV.3, probably based on the classic Volkswagen Transporter.

A VW representative explained that the display of prototypes at the exhibition is only an “assessment of market prospects.” The Osnabrück plant itself will soon lose contracts to build T-Roc convertibles and Porsche models, and its prospects are unclear.

Earlier, UAZ showed a Hunter for evacuating the wounded, built in accordance with the wishes of the Russian military.