Volkswagen Australia has pulled off an extraordinary achievement with the Amarok, setting a new Guinness World Record by crossing ten of Australia’s most challenging deserts in under seven days. Guided by the skilled hands of renowned driver Rainer Zietlow, the feat was a true test of the Amarok's impressive engineering and rugged endurance, with accessories and modifications fitted by Volkswagen and ARB to enhance its off-road capabilities.
Rainer, alongside his dedicated co-drivers, Marius Biela and Brad Howes, began this ambitious journey in Maree, South Australia, on 21st October 2024. Over the next six days and 17 hours, they navigated 6241km of rough terrain, taking shifts behind the wheel. Their journey ended in Alice Springs, marking not only an incredible time record but also reinforcing the Amarok’s reputation as a vehicle designed to excel in the harshest environments Australia has to offer.
rainer zietlow volkwasgen amarok offroad desert
The ten deserts the team crossed were the Tirari, Strzelecki, and Sturt Stony Deserts in South Australia; the Simpson and Pedirka Deserts spanning South Australia and the Northern Territory; the Great Victoria Desert across South Australia and Western Australia; the Gibson Desert and Little Sandy Desert in Western Australia; the Great Sandy Desert across Western Australia and the Northern Territory; and the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory.
volkswagen amarok 10 deserts map record gps australia
During the intense 7-day expedition, the team relied on 11 rest stops, consumed 1199 litres of fuel, used just 0.5 litres of oil, and covered an impressive 6,241km. In a true testament to the Amarok’s reliability and engineering, the only setback encountered was a single tyre puncture—a remarkable outcome given the type of terrain they faced.
tyre change simpson desert vw volkswagen amarok
Club 4X4 Insurance was proud to sponsor the event, providing comprehensive insurance cover for the record-setting Amarok. The policy included market value cover for the 2023 V6 Amarok, $40,000 for modifications, and an upgraded $30,000 for off-road recovery cover - ideal for an adventure of this magnitude.
Volkswagen and ARB teamed up to get the Amarok ready for this journey. The modifications included a bullbar, suspension lift for better clearance, spotlights and a lightbar for night drives, a snorkel for water crossings, a roof platform, a tub rack for extra storage, underbody protection, rated recovery points, and Kumho Road Venture MT71 tyres to handle the tough terrain.
offroad driving at night vw volkswagen amarok modified
The new generation Amarok was designed and engineered with Australian conditions as the foremost consideration. Our vehicle has handled the very toughest conditions in this country in a way that has exceeded even our expectation.
Following its recent success, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have announced that they will release the Amarok 10 Deserts Limited Edition of some 300 in 2025. This is based on the Amarok Life model grade.
Planning a desert adventure?
Make sure your insurance goes there too!
