The Isuzu D-Max Blade is a collaboration between Isuzu and Walkinshaw Automotive, an Australian performance modification specialist. It's expected to be a tougher, more off-road focused version of the D-Max, sitting at the top of the range.
Key modifications include:
- Ride height increase of 26.5mm at the front and 29mm at the rear
- Bigger wheels and different springs
- A sailplane (rear sports bar)
- High-mounted brake light
- Wheel-arch cladding
- Sump guard
The Blade is likely to retain the standard D-Max's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. It's expected to compete with models like the Mazda BT-50 Thunder, offering a tougher look and some capability enhancements. It will likely be fully warrantied and carry Isuzu's six-year warranty.
This isn't Walkinshaw's first ute project, having previously worked on the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme, Volkswagen Amarok W-Series, and the HSV SportsCat (based on the Holden Colorado). The axle ratings and gross vehicle mass (GVM) are unchanged from the standard D-Max.
While there's no official confirmation on launch timing, the production-ready appearance of the spied vehicle suggests it could be released soon.
