It seems Isuzu is planning to launch a more hardcore version of the D-Max in Australia, called the Blade. All we can say is, about bloody time.
Some information has popped up on the government infrastructure portal online confirming a partnership between Isuzu Ute and Walkinshaw. Walkinshaw, if you didn’t already know, are the mob that remanufacture the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado for the Australian market, so they obviously know a thing or two about building utes.
The government filing shows evidence of modifications, suggesting the D-Max Blade is going to be a cosmetic pack rather than a proper hardcore variant. In the UK there have been various special editions and unique offerings, including the awesome Arctic Trucks packages (pictured).
It looks like the D-Max Blade will showcase a set of new wheels potentially with more serious all-terrain tyres, pumped wheel arches, a unique sports bar (sailplane), a sump guard, and raised suspension. Documents detail increased ground clearance by 26.5mm at the front and 29mm at the back.
No changes are likely to be made under the bonnet otherwise the filing would certainly detail them as part of ADR certification and so on. As standard the D-Max uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, producing 140kW and 450Nm.
There is currently a trademark for the name ‘D-MAX BLADE’ registered in Australia by Isuzu Ute Australia Pty Ltd as well. It was filed back in May 2023 and accepted in June this year.
We hope the new Blade variant takes some inspiration from the Arctic Trucks models overseas, and given the suggestion of “wheel arches” in the document, it might look pretty similar.
Isuzu Australia sent out a statement to media, including Driving Enthusiast, regarding the news, saying:
“Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) and Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) are collaborating on possible future product developments—however, we are not currently able to provide any further details.”
More details are expected to be announced very soon, with market entry likely happening later this year. See below for our full review of the recently-introduced 2024 D-Max.
