Isuzu Ute Blaze Enhanced By Walkinshaw

Isuzu UTE Australia has launched the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE as a result of partnering with Walkinshaw. Available from 1st November at Isuzu dealerships nationwide with an introductory price of $76,990 drive away, the BLADE marks a new high point in the D-MAX lineup, a ute known for being both tough and capable.

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The D-MAX BLADE has been three years in the making, crafted through a rigorous concepting and prototyping process. This all-terrain powerhouse was locally engineered and tested over 100,000 km in Melbourne’s varied urban landscapes and the rugged Outback, proving its resilience and adaptability to Australian conditions. Isuzu partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, a name synonymous with legendary engineering, to tune the BLADE specifically for local demands, from towing heavy loads on gravel roads to tackling harsh bush trails with ease.

Under the hood, the BLADE doesn’t stray from its roots: the trusted 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine delivers, paired with a new Rough Terrain Mode traction control, ready to take on demanding off-road conditions. Alongside Isuzu’s established 3.5-tonne braked towing and a hearty 896kg payload, this model packs enhanced durability, with upgraded chassis tuning, a 29mm lift, and a new wheel and tyre setup that widens the track by 32mm. Walkinshaw’s engineers spent months perfecting the suspension, choosing Monroe’s 35mm twin-tube dampers for optimal handling on Australia’s toughest trails, tested in places like the Flinders Ranges and Kimberley.

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ABOVE: Isuzu Ute D-Max Blade – Walkinshaw

The BLADE’s exterior is unmistakably formidable. It features satin black accents, a bold front grille with the classic hexapod motif, and a subtle, recessed 112-watt light bar for illuminating unlit trails. Satin-black tubular side steps, a widened stance, and rugged wheel arches elevate the design, creating an aesthetic that balances aggression with sophistication. These features are finished off with an underbody bash plate, doubled in thickness for extra protection, and dual hooks on the recovery points, showcasing Walkinshaw’s commitment to durability.

With Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT tyres fitted on 17×8.5-inch alloy wheels, the BLADE also tackles challenging terrains head-on. The tyres, designed specifically for the BLADE, offer three-ply sidewalls and deep treads, making them ideal for Outback or snow, while the satin black wheels add style to utility.

Inside, the BLADE continues its rugged luxury theme, offering a darkened cabin with ‘BLADE’ embroidery on the headrests and mats, unique scuff plates, and a numbered build plate, making each ute one-of-a-kind. With the Walkinshaw team actively involved in every stage of its development, this ute is a testament to Australian engineering excellence.

As the demand for adventure-ready vehicles grows, the D-MAX BLADE fills the gap, purpose-built for modern adventurers and families ready to take on the Great Southern Land.

D-MAX BLADE highlights (bold unique to BLADE):

– Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which includes AEB with Turn Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Welcome Headlight, Digital Reversing Camera, Trailer Sway Control and eight airbags

– 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine

– Six-speed automatic transmission with 4×4 Terrain Command: with 2-High, 4-High, and 4-Low dual-range transfer case

– Rear-Diff Lock and Rough Terrain Mode

– 244mm ground clearance

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

– 800mm wading depth

– BLADE-exclusive lifted suspension, finished in signature Isuzu red

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

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

– BLADE-exclusive satin black 17×8.5-inch +28 flow-formed alloy wheels with 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres

– Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

– Satin black front grille with ‘ISUZU’ lettering

– Satin black front bumper cladding

– Satin black fender flares with integrated air curtains

– BLADE-exclusive widened mudflaps

– Satin black ‘BLADE’ lettering across tailgate

– BLADE-exclusive satin black tailgate badging

– BLADE-exclusive satin black decals on front bar, bonnet, doors and tailgate

– BLADE-exclusive satin black tubular sidesteps

– Satin black one-piece extended sports bar with integrated stop lamp

– Tinted lens lightbar integrated into the front grille

– Premium leather steering wheel and gear selector

– Leather-accented upholstery with stitched leatherette across interior door trims and centre console

– Leather-trimmed steering wheel and transmission selector

– 8-way electric front adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support

– Variably heated front seats

– ‘BLADE’ embroidered head rest

– ‘BLADE’ embroidered floor mats

– ‘BLADE’ embossed scuff plates

– Individually numbered BLADE identification plaque on transmission selector surround

– Individually numbered BLADE identification plaque in engine bay

– Push Button Start with Smart Entry and Start

– Walk Away Door Lock – automatically locks when the driver walks away from the vehicle

– Welcome Light – automatically illuminates the interior when the driver walks towards the vehicle

– 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with tuning and volume dials, Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, integrated Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes, ADAS, TPMS, Inclinometer and electrical systems, with 8-speaker audio

– 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display

– 3x 3.0-Amp USB-C ports – 2x front row, 1x second row

– 1x 2.1-Amp USB-A port for aftermarket dash camera

– Dual-zone air-conditioning

– Dual ISOFIX compatible anchor points with two top-tether points

– Automatic Bi-LED headlights with automatic high beam control and LED daytime running lights (DRL)

– Automatic windshield wipers

– LED combination taillights

– Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines

– Basalt Black tailgate and door handles

– Basalt Black door mirrors

– Tailgate assist