Blade a cut above for Isuzu

0 0 November 07, 2024 Edit this post

Isuzu has unveiled a new champion in the form of the D-Max Blade.

The result of over three years of development, in conjunction with Walkinshaw Engineering, Blade is available to order from November 1, with a special introductory price from just $76,990 drive away.

During the three-year development process, Blade prototypes were subjected to a 100,000km testing program encompassing dynamic rig rough track tests which simulated local road surfaces, rough tracks and the likes of the torturous Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, Northern Territory.

Partnering with Walkinshaw not only provided advantages with local tuning and development, it also afforded unmatched evaluation and benchmarking opportunities.

Blade builds on the proven performance, efficiency and dependability from Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 140kW and 450Nm, with a 896kg payload and 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

It benefits from a 29mm lift in ride height, courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension tuned for local conditions and a larger wheel and tyre package.

Various spring rates and damper tunes were evaluated before Walkinshaw engineers settled on the OEM spring rate and Monroe 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers with lifted spring seats.

Ensuring the suspension met the rigorous design brief, Walkinshaw evaluated a total of 30 different damper tunes at their engineering facility and at the Lang Lang Proving Grounds, in Victoria, before a week-long Outback Australia signoff test in the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola, South Australia.

Improving traction both on- and off-road is a set of 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres, fitted to new satin black 17 x 8.5-inch flow-formed alloy wheels unique to the Blade—including a full-size matching alloy spare.

They are offset 17mm which widens the vehicle’s track by 32mm, for improved vehicle handling and stability.

The standard underbody protection has been doubled to a 3.0mm steel bash plate, offering greater protection of vital powertrain components.

Fitted behind the bash plate is a load rated recovery point system featuring an integrated cross-member, which braces both chassis rails together for improved torsional rigidity and to eliminate deflection when under the maximum eight-tonne load from an angle of up to 35-degrees, as tested by Walkinshaw.

The dual hook, single-piece recovery point frame is the only system on the Australian market that incorporates cross-bracing reinforcement to the same degree, highlighting the unparalleled robustness of the D-Max Blade.

In the looks department, a more dynamic front grille, finished in a striking satin black features bolder ‘ISUZU’ lettering, surrounded by the hexapod motif — a common theme.

Integrated into the base of the grille is a curved 112-Watt lightbar.

Chassis-mounted tubular side steps finished in satin black with integrated hexapod motifs across each footpad, adorn both sides, offering improved ground clearance and durability off-road.

In keeping consistent with the design language, a lightweight, one-piece extended sports bar in satin black further accentuates the sporty profile.

Satin black accents replace the chrome and body coloured of the original, with badges, mirrors and door handles finished in satin black and basalt black, respectively.

Accentuating the hard bodylines across the front, bonnet, and tailgate, including the signature Japanese ‘Katana’ line across the doors — which the name ‘Blade’ extends from — are a series of satin black geometric stripes.

Inside, the cabin remains bold, with the black headlining and trim accents introduced as part of the 24MY facelift.

Complimenting the darkened interior is a suite of Blade-exclusive accents, including ‘Blade’ embossed scuff plates and ‘Blade’ embroidered headrests and floor mats.

A build plate on the transmission selector and in the engine bay, both with unique matching numbering denotes that each Blade is one of a kind.

D-Max Blade is available in a selection of four no-cost premium paint finishes, including Moonstone White pearl, Basalt Black mica, Granite Grey mica and Sunstone Orange mica.