The D Max Blade is the result of a joint project between Isuzu and the Australian, Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

Walkinshaw was contracted to design modifications to the D-Max to develop it into a specially designed off-road ute with far greater capabilities than normal 4WD utes.

The Blade has been specifically designed for off-road performance and rugged reliability, while maintaining the hallmark qualities that the nameplate is renowned for, such as its 3.5-tonne towing capacity, 896kg payload capacity, and the proven performance, efficiency and dependability from Isuzu’s 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Reflecting on the journey to bring the D-MAX BLADE to life, Isuzu UTE Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Junta Matsui, said the project included over a dozen vehicle prototypes being tested for Australian off-roading conditions.

 Walkinshaw Automotive Group was chosen as it has designed, engineered and remanufactured some of Australia’s most iconic nameplates, with over 100,000 vehicles having been through the doors of its Melbourne-based facilities.

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 W.A.’s Kimberley.

In developing the special features, 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.

Those chosen offer greater chassis control, improved temperature management and a larger piston and more heavy-duty seals for durability.

Ensuring that the suspension met the 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 sign-off test in the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola, South Australia.

Each wheel features Isuzu’s improved Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which incorporates both pressure and temperature monitoring, essential when off-roading or towing.

Walkinshaw evaluated several all-terrain tyre options, before working directly with Goodyear to secure the new Duratrac RT for the BLADE, making it the only vehicle fitted with this all-terrain from the showroom floor.

Wider, taller and more durable, the Duratrac RT features deep tread blocks, shoulder lugs, and a triple-ply sidewall construction for improved puncture resistance.

The suspension has been tuned specifically for the wheel and tyre setup—a total package developed uniquely for the BLADE and the local roads and terrain seen across Australia.

Walkinshaw also improved on the standard 1.5mm steel underbody protection, doubling the thickness to a 3.0mm steel bash plate, which offers greater protection to powertrain components.

With respect to the body Walkinshaw created a  more dynamic front grille, finished in satin black featuring bolder ‘ISUZU’ lettering, surrounded by the hexapod motif—a common theme of the core vehicle.

Airflow tested by Walkinshaw to ensure optimal performance, revised radiator and intercooler guides channels to critical hardware components.

Integrated into the base of the grille is a curved 112-Watt lightbar. Recessed and tinted to remain inconspicuous, test results show a light pattern throw of over 325-meters—ideal for off-roading applications.

While the front profile has been accentuated with a wider stance, courtesy of the lift and wider wheels with more aggressive track width, new wheel arch flares featuring the hexapod design language with integrated air curtains complete the off-road ready aesthetic.

Chassis-mounted tubular side steps finished in satin black with integrated hexapod motifs across each footpad, adorn both sides of the BLADE, which also offer improved ground clearance and durability when off-road.

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

SERVICE PLUS

In line with the rest of the D-MAX range, the BLADE benefits from a national network of over 160 dealer sites, as well as IUA’s updated Service Plus customer care program, which includes a five-year Flat Price Servicing^> program at $449 per year/15,000km intervals, a six-year/150,000km Warranty^∧, and up to seven-years of Roadside Assistance^<.

PRICING, PAINT AND AVAILABILITY

The BLADE has an special introductory price of $76,990 drive away*, inclusive of premium paint.

There is selection of four no-cost premium paint finishes, including Moonstone White Pearl, Basalt Black Mica, Granite Grey Mica and Sunstone Orange Mica.

BLADE specific features in addition to D Max features:

244mm ground clearance

29.2° approach, 19.2° departure and 25.2° breakover angles

Lifted suspension, finished in signature Isuzu red

3-mm bash plate underbody protection, finished in signature Isuzu red

8-tonne load rated recovery points with cross-bracing, finished in signature Isuzu red

 Satin black 17x 8.5-inch +28 flow-formed alloy wheels with 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres

 Satin black: front grille with ‘ISUZU’ lettering, front bumper cladding, fender flares with integrated air curtains, ‘BLADE’ lettering across tailgate, satin black decals on front bar, bonnet, doors and tailgate, tubular sidesteps, extended sports bar with integrated stop lamp, BLADE’ embroidered head rest, floor mats and embossed scuff plates

Widened mudflaps

Individually numbered BLADE identification plaque on transmission selector surround and identification plaque in engine bay

Basalt black tailgate, door handles and door mirrors

Available in Moonstone White Pearl, Basalt Black Mica, Granite Grey Mica or Sunstone Orange Mica