heart set on a new Hilux,” says
Brendan McKee, who brought the entire clan
(pictured left) along in their 2011 ’Rok. “But
when I sat in the Amarok, it was just so much
more comfortable. We’ve done a lot of work in
ours, and it hasn’t missed a beat.”
Eric Yu uses his 2013 Ultimate for his day
job as a sign writer in Melbourne, but he’s
outfitted the rear to fit a large fridge, a custom-
made single-drawer cabinet, electronics, a
12,000lb winch and more. A set of 33-inch BFG
mud tyres, a bullbar, and custom drawers and
canopy turn his workhorse into a play toy. “We
finished work on Friday afternoon, ditched the
tools and were on our way to Broken Hill that
same day,” he says. “This is my first 4x4, and it
felt most like a car. I did try a Hilux, but it just
felt old tech to me. I wanted something that
felt a bit newer.”
Eric is typical of the group on this trek.
They aren’t buying Amaroks because it’sTHE RIGHT TUNE
JOSH Cinzio is a man on the move – or, at least, his cars
are. He runs an engine-tuning business out of South
Australia called J-Tech Automotive Enhancements,
specialising in remapping ECUs for all manner of 4x4s, but
VWs in particular. He’s recently completed the work on
a tune for the V6, netting owners up to 35kW and 84Nm
extra grunt for a final result of 168kW and 505Nm. More
importantly, Josh backs himself and his work, insisting
that every customer car gets its own tune. He even
travels the country to install tunes, exhausts and other
parts for customers.
He took his 2015 four-cylinder Amarok Highline to
the Bash, fitted with Outback Armour suspension, an
AFN bullbar and TJM rear bar, Delta Klassik Beadlock
18x9-inchers fitted with BF Goodrich K02 275/70
17s, as well as custom rock sliders from SC FabWorx
in Brisbane.
It’s also running a stage one tune which gives the
2.0-litre four-potter 155kW and 520Nm. “It’s my
second year, and it’s a fantastic event,” he said.
“Great driving roads and it’s a great place to meet
other VW enthusiasts. I’ll be back in 2018.”
’ROK ON
Josh Cinzio’s 2015
Amarok Highline work
rig with plenty of kit,
including an ECU remap
for extra ponies.988 http://www.4X4australia.com.auDRIVEN VW AMAROKS TO BIG RED