Walkinshaw and Isuzu are working on D-MAX Blade hero variant; reveal date confirmed

BLADE LAUNCHED: Isuzu has a new flagship model sitting atop its D-MAX model line-up, with the Walkinshaw-fettled D-MAX Blade revealed and set to land in dealerships across the country from November 1.

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A Walkinshaw-fettled D-MAX is in the works, with Isuzu confirming the halo ute will be officially revealed on November 1, 2024.

In a statement to officially confirm the date of the unveiling, Isuzu UTE Australia’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Koichiro Yoshida, said the D-MAX Blade “was a project that was reengineered specifically for local Australian conditions in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne.

“For as long as I can remember, customers and the media have asked about a higher-spec, off-road ready ute to rival the competition, something extremely capable, without compromise.” he added.

Isuzu says local deliveries will follow soon after the Blade is revealed.

An approval document published by the government-regulated ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator) system has revealed Isuzu and Walkinshaw are combining forces to produce a tougher D-MAX ute, dubbed Blade.

The document reveals that “modifications are styling only”, which indicates the Blade will utilise Isuzu’s proven 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant. It does however reveal that a change to the wheels, tyres and springs will result in a height change of 26.5mm at the front and 29mm at the rear.

It will also add a sailplane and high-mounted stop lights, as well as tweaks to the wheel arches and sump guard. Axle ratings and the vehicle’s GVM remain unchanged. No photos are available yet.

While Isuzu has not revealed a launch or reveal date, it has confirmed the collaboration with Walkinshaw.

“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,” said Mark Harman, Isuzu UTE Australia’s PR Manager.

The most recent ute to receive the Walkinshaw treatment was the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme, which, among other things, received a style update, Walkinshaw-forged wheels and Supashock suspension.

Can we expect similar treatment for the incoming D-MAX Blade? Stay tuned for more info.