VIDEO: Volkswagen Amarok runs sub-3 min Mt Panorama lap

A Volkswagen Amarok V6 has lapped Mt Panorama in an impressive time of 2:57.24.

Piloted by Australian racer Renato Loberto, the sub-3 minute run was set during the recent Bathurst 12-Hour, though footage of the lap was only just revealed.

For context, the Mt Panorama website lists the (albeit unrelated) Group 3E Production Car Record as a 2:28.53, run by a Mercedes-AMG A45.

The ute itself is powered by an unmodified turbo-diesel VW V6, though many modifications have been made to the suspension and body, including the removal of every non-essential interior part.

This leaves it with little more than a driver’s seat, dash, and console.

Underneath, a custom Bilstein suspension package known as 'The Big Bad Wolf' by engineers has been installed.

The Volkswagen apprentices who built the Amarok also installed AP Racing brakes, and fitted it the rather small looking wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, giving it an odd but dynamically effective stance.

Its standard engine produces 165kW and 550Nm, but was able to reach speeds in excess of 200km/h.

The very same ute has also achieved another impressive lap time in Australia, running a 1:57.01 at Eastern Creek during the World Time Attack Challenge in 2017.

That time was two seconds faster than a stock Golf GTI. At the time, VW PR manager and project lead Kurt McGuiness said it was impressive what the VW apprentices have been able to achieve so effectively.

"It's important for us at Volkswagen to offer unique learning experiences to our apprentices.

“Our Big Bad Wolf Amarok track car is not only an example of our superior engineering, it's also a way for us as a business to support the lifeblood of our industry in Australia."