Record-breaking Aussie desert assault inspires locally-developed special 2025 Volkswagen Amarok to challenge Ford Ranger, Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, Isuzu D-Max Blade, LDV T60 Max Plus, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara Warrior, Toyota HiLux GR Sport

When a Guinness World Records observer is along for the ride you know something extraordinary is on the cards and so it was as a 2025 Volkswagen Amarok V6 Style driven by a three-person crew covered Australia’s 10 gazetted deserts in, you guessed it, world record time.

Departing from Marree, near the base of South Australia’s Kati Thanda Lake Eyre National Park, the team traversed the Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Tanami, Simpson, Gibson, Little Sandy, Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, Tirari and Pedirka deserts, finishing in Alice Springs at the southern end of the Northern Territory six days and 17 hours later.

That’s a total of 6421km over a circuitous route covering some of the most arduous terrain on the planet, the trek establishing a Guinness World Records authenticated time.

Working in shifts, German endurance driver (and multiple record holder) Rainer Zietlow, compatriot Marius Biela and Aussie Brad Howe covered driving duties.

Volkswagen says the Amarok V6 (‘accessorised’ with the help of ARB and Kumho) used 1199 litres of diesel (which translates to 18.7L/100km; an amazing result given the terrain covered), just half a litre of oil and only suffered a single puncture.

And the journey has spawned a locally developed limited edition to celebrate the expedition’s success.

Coming in 2025, 300 examples of the Amarok 10 Deserts will be based on the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel Life TDI500 grade.

Although pricing and specification details for the locally-developed special edition are yet to be confirmed the standard AWD Life boasts 154kW/500Nm and the limited build will feature taller ground clearance, a lift kit, more off-road focused rubber, underbody protection and unique badging.

Pitched with the off-road enthusiast in mind, it’s likely to hit a mid-$60K price point.

A visual record of the record desert crossings can be seen here.