Walkinshaw’s take on the Isuzu D-Max has been spied in Melbourne, previewing what upgrades we can expect to see on the beefed-up dual-cab ute.
The so-called Isuzu D-Max Blade is the first collaboration between the Japanese brand and the Australian performance modification specialist.
It won’t be Walkinshaw’s first attempt at making a dual-cab even more rugged, having recently launched the limited-edition WAU Ford Ranger, and previously heavily fettled the Holden Colorado to make the HSV SportsCat from 2018 to 2020.
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The new D-Max Blade will likely sit on top of the Isuzu ute range, with a focus on off-road performance.
It’s long been rumoured that Isuzu would bring out a tougher-looking version of its D-Max ute, with a government approval filing from July detailing the Blade’s modifications.
The filing noted a ride height increase of 26.5mm up front and 29mm at the rear thanks to bigger wheels and different springs, along with a sailplane, high-mounted brake light, wheel-arch cladding, and a sump guard.
Axle ratings and gross vehicle mass (GVM) are unchanged, indicating the Blade will stack up against the Mazda BT-50 Thunder as a main rival.
The Thunder brings a tougher look but remains mostly unchanged in terms of extra capability, with a steel bull bar, fender flares and a sports bar the key additions.
Like the Mazda, the D-Max Blade will be fully warrantied and carry Isuzu’s six years of coverage.
Despite the visual tweaks, the Blade will likely retain the D-Max’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
These spy photos depict what appears to be a production-ready model with camouflage whatsoever. At this stage there’s still no confirmation on specific launch timing.
Walkinshaw has collaborated with other international manufacturers to produce a tough ute in the past.
The Australian brand has previously worked with Mitsubishi to produce the Triton Xtreme, as well as Volkswagen for various previous-generation Amarok W-Series models, among others.
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