Isuzu has just revealed the D-MAX BLADE, the new flagship in their ute lineup, and it’s built tough for Aussie off-roaders. Developed in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive, the BLADE has been specifically engineered to handle everything our rugged landscape throws at it. And after a gruelling 100,000km durability test across Melbourne and Outback Australia, it’s ready to show us what it’s made of.
Available to order from November 1, 2024, with a special introductory price of $76,990 drive away, this ute combines off-road capability with the reliable performance Isuzu is known for, all topped off with some local tweaks to make it just right for Australian conditions.
Isuzu UTE Australia’s Managing Director, Mr. Junta Matsui, summed it up nicely: “The Isuzu D-MAX BLADE has been a long time coming, a result of over a dozen vehicle prototypes tested locally for the unique Australian off-roading conditions, with our Melbourne-based remanufacturing partner, Walkinshaw Automotive Group.”
Built tough with Walkinshaw Expertise
To turn the D-MAX into the BLADE, Isuzu tapped into Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s 40-year legacy of Australian automotive engineering. Known for some of the most iconic vehicles on our roads, Walkinshaw brought their expertise to the table, refining every element of the BLADE to make sure it meets the needs of Aussie adventurers.
Trevor Barallon, Chief Engineer at Walkinshaw, said, “It was an ever-evolving circle of conceptualise, prototype, validate, develop countermeasures and test again. With second stage manufacturing projects like this, we have a proven framework in place to ensure we meet the client’s brief.”
Refined for Aussie off-roading
What sets the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE apart? Let’s start with a 29mm lift, thanks to new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension that’s been finely tuned for our local conditions. It’s fitted with 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres, giving it better grip on everything from sand to slick rock. Plus, the BLADE-exclusive satin black alloys and beefy tyres not only improve off-road handling but add a touch of style.
The suspension has been rigorously tested, with Walkinshaw running through 30 different damper tunes before settling on the perfect setup. From Victoria’s Lang Lang Proving Grounds to the dusty tracks of the Flinders Ranges, this ute has seen it all.
Built for off-road recovery and protection
For those heading out bush, Isuzu’s beefed up the underbody protection for the D-MAX BLADE, doubling the steel bash plates to 3.0mm thick to keep the vital bits safe. There’s also a load-rated recovery point system that’s been integrated to brace both chassis rails, providing extra strength for those tricky off-road recoveries.
Designed to stand out
Walkinshaw didn’t just tweak the mechanics—they gave the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE a bold new look. Sporting a satin black front grille, wider fender flares, and a curved lightbar integrated into the front, it’s got a stance that commands attention. Chief Designer Julian Quincey said, “Visually, with the widened stance and increased ride height, the BLADE makes an absolute statement. But equally, it looks a part of the Isuzu range.”
Inside, it’s all about comfort with premium leather trims, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with all the bells and whistles, and ‘BLADE’ embroidered headrests and floor mats. It even features individually numbered build plates for that added touch of exclusivity.
Highlights
If you’re keen to get your hands on the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE, you can place your order from November 1, 2024. It’s priced from $76,990 drive away, with four premium paint options to choose from. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or need a reliable workhorse that can handle the Outback, the BLADE is ready for action.
Head to your local Isuzu UTE dealer to learn more and see the BLADE in person.
Whatever it looks like it is still an underpowered pretender.
Instead of wasting excessive amounts of $ on ridiculous high suspension bits! Why don’t they get there stubborn heads out of their butts & fit an American heavy duty complete airbag suspension system? 100% better ride & handling & height adjustable for for all road & offroad conditions!! Plus it’s gentler on the chassis as as airbags absorb shock better! They wouldn’t fit them to big trucks if they weren’t suitable!!
77 grand for a few changes lift and bash plates has put it out of my range now, as i would buy one before looking at others
What is the vehicle’s GVM & it’s GCM?
Unless this are increased it’s still only a slightly modified D Max.
Apparently they did test this on the Gibb River Road, in the Kimberly , Northern Territory….. when I drove the Gibb it was in Western Australia.
It’s about time they stop making glorified cars and made a ute to carry a load instead of carrying five large people and four hundred kg of luggage add a caravan it’s over weight