Isuzu UTE Australia has launched the D-Max Blade as the new flagship of the range. The new Australian-developed crew cab version of its D-Max range with Walkinshaw-engineered offroad equipment designed for Australian conditions.
Engineered and tested locally by way of a comprehensive 100,000km durability testing program in Melbourne and Outback Australia. The D-Max Blade is set deliver an unparalleled combination of off-road performance and rugged reliability, with local ride and handling tuning to suit local conditions.
The Blade retains the hallmark D-Max qualities including a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, a generous 896kg payload capacity, and the proven performance, efficiency and dependability of Isuzu’s 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Walkinshaw Engineering
Walkinshaw has designed, engineered and remanufactured some of Australia’s most iconic and special nameplates. With over 100,000 vehicles having been through the doors of their Melbourne-based facilities.
Partnering with Walkinshaw not only provided advantages with local tuning and development. It afforded unmatched evaluation and benchmarking opportunities.
While each Blade component and change point was subjected to simulations, Dynamic rig tests, and real-world evaluation regimes. The Blade was tested against baseline vehicles—with more a dozen prototypes developed and tested.
Trial and development of the D-MAX BLADE
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, Western Australia.
The D-Max Blade features a 29mm lift courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension. This is 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.
The twin-tube offers greater chassis control, improved temperature management and a larger piston and more heavy-duty seals for durability. 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.
New Wheel and Tyre Feautures
Tyres are 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT. On satin black 17×8.5-inch flow-formed alloy wheels unique to the Blade.
Each wheel features Isuzu’s improved Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Which incorporates both pressure and temperature monitoring, essential when off-roading or towing. Subjected to rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and physical load testing programs to ensure its load rating and to engineer weaknesses out of the design. The 8.5-inch wide alloy incorporates a +17 offset, which widens the vehicle’s track by 32mm for improved vehicle handling and stability.
Walkinshaw evaluated several all-terrain tyre options before working directly with Goodyear to secure the new Duratrac RT for the Blade. Wider, taller and more durable, the Duratrac RT features deep tread blocks, shoulder lugs, and a triple-ply sidewall construction for improved puncture resistance.
Body Upgrades
Walkinshaw improved on the standard 1.5mm steel underbody protection. Doubling the thickness to a 3.0mm steel bash plate, which offers 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 8-tonne load from an angle of up to 35-degrees.
The bash plate and recovery point system feature a dual-layer powder coat finish. Consisting of an 80-micron e-coat base layer and an 80-micron top layer in Isuzu’s signature red.
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 more than 325m. Making it ideal for off-roading applications.
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.
There are chassis-mounted tubular side steps finished in satin black with integrated hexapod motifs across each footpad They offer improved ground clearance and durability when off-road. A lightweight, one-piece extended sports bar in satin black further accentuates the sporty profile of the Blade.
Across the doors and tailgate, there are satin black accents replacing the chrome and body colour of the original, with badges, mirrors and door handles finished in satin black and basalt black, respectively.
For more information, follow Isuzu UTE D-MAX BLADE