A heartbeat made of 12 cylinders: VW Amarok with Audi Q7 engine!

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In a world where individuality and exclusivity are at a premium, a British workshop called Darkside Developments (we know from 270-horsepower Skoda Citigo), to realize a project that once again moves beyond the ordinary. A white VW Amarok, a robust workhorse from Volkswagen, is currently experiencing a real storm metamorphosis, which makes him the object of desire for Tuning fans might. The Darkside Developments team is currently implanting the heart of a giant in him - the V12 diesel (CCGA) from the Listen Q7, and thus create a unique piece that is second to none. The start of the project began with a white VW Amarok from the sunny climes of Australia, which found its way to the UK, as it is only available there as a double cab.

VW Amarok with Audi Q7 V12

The heart of the project, the 6,0 liter V12 from the first generation Audi Q7 V12 TDI is a challenge in itself. With a proud achievement of 500 PS & 1.000 NM and a displacement that, at 6 liters, is almost three times the OEM Amarok engine, squeezing the giant into the Amarok's engine compartment is an engineering masterpiece. But Darkside Developments took up the challenge, supported by cutting-edge technology in the form of 3D scanningto ensure that the V12 and the Amarok find each other.

The transformation of the Amarok not only requires a new heart, but also an adapted one Six-speed manual transmission from Borg Warner, known from muscle cars like the Corvette C5 or the Viper. This is a transmission that can handle the insane torque of 1.000 Nm of the V12 can withstand and often in many Restomods is used. There was even a special one made here adapter plate necessary to couple the manual gearbox to the V12, which is actually married to a 7-speed tiptronic in the Q6. The “wedding”, as the connection between engine and body is affectionately called, was a first moment of triumph for the Darkside Developments team.

A pair of Youtube Video documents the milestone, showing how part of the firewall and front chassis were rebuilt to make room for the huge engine. An important step has been taken with the successful integration of the V12 into the Amarok, but there is still a long road full of challenges before the first test drive. But one thing is certain, when the Amarok puts its tires on the asphalt for the first time, it will be a one-off that impresses not only with its uniqueness, but also with its performance. And yes, all that horsepower is just going to that Rear wheels sent. This promises pure driving fun!

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A heartbeat made of 12 cylinders: VW Amarok with Audi Q7 engine!
Photo credit/source: Darkside Developments / autobild.de

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