Volkswagen is testing its brutish 4.0TDi V8 engine (codenamed EA 898) in the Amarok. The engine, which also powers the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Panamera, is tuned to provide 421hp and 850Nm.

Amarok V8: Power Struggle

Compared to North America, European pickup trucks are very mild when it comes to oomph. Instead of the 500+ hp V8s, the biggest engines that we’ve had are the V6s in the likes of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Volkswagen Amarok and the previous-generation Nissan Navara and Isuzu Rodeo and, of course, the 3.2-litre 5-pot in the Ford Ranger.

Since 2016, Volkswagen has dominated the power board with its 3.0-litre V6. Originally available in power ratings up to 224hp/550Nm, the company quickly raised it 268hp/580Nm shortly after Mercedes-Benz announced the 258hp/550Nm X350D.

However, it looks like Volkswagen might be extending its lead by introducing the 4.0-litre V8 in the Amarok. Over the past couple of months, the German manufacturer has been testing a prototype in the Austrian Alps and a reader of Professional Pickup and 4×4, who heads up one of Europe’s largest fleets, caught a glimpse on a recent trip with them.

Amarok V8: Engine Specifications

The engine has a displacement of 3,956cc (83.0mm bore by 91.4mm stroke) with the eight cylinders are mounted at 90-degrees, while the engine management has been taken care of by the Bosch CRS 3.25 system.

Volkswagen had to reduce the torque of its 3.0-litre V6 engine from 600Nm to 580Nm as there was too much torsional flex in the chassis, but the engineers appear to have overcome that problem as the 4.0-litre V8 unit produces a colossal 421hp and 850Nm.

While the face and overall chassis dimensions appeared to have been the same, the vehicle is noticeably larger due to a 75mm lift and extended wheel arches. There were two dual tailpipe exhaust pipes at the back and a ‘substantial’ rear differential.