Did you know that Volkswagen makes a pickup? That’s right and it’s called the “Amarok.” Sold outside the U.S., the compact VW pickup features 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine and distinctive, yet toughened-up Volkswagen looks.

What you see above, however, is not the standard model. It’s the Amarok R-Style Concept and it’s been unveiled at the 2013 Wörthersee Tour annual tuning event held in Austria.

The Amarok R-Style VW’s answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor and features an upgraded version of the standard V6 TDI engine. In R-Style form, the 3.0-liter now produces 270 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. These improved power numbers will push the Amarok R-Style to 62mph from a dead standstill in under eight seconds, according to Motor Authority.

The body is distinguished from the production version by 22-inch alloy wheels, a lowered suspension, and a widened body. For visual accent, VW has added LEDs to the headlights and carbon fiber with red accents all around.

We’ve longed for the return of the VW pickup to the U.S. market, especially one so beefy and capable as the Amarok R-Style. We doubt we’ll ever see it, though. Even the American Big Three have given up on compact pickups, so it’s unlikely that VW – a brand not known for its pickup prowess – would try to fit the bill.

If you doubt the toughness of the Amarok, we encourage you to look at the Amarok Canyon concept that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. What you find just might surprise you.

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