Every adventure, made better.

Isuzu Ute Australia had a product vision to bring an exhilarating D-MAX variant to the Australian market, a version that would inspire adventure.

To bring it to life, they partnered with Walkinshaw Group, leveraging over 40 years of local automotive know-how. This collaboration evolved into a passionate joint project—the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE—a rugged Australian off-road machine embodying their aspiration: “Engineered for Australia, by Australians.”

The second-stage manufacturing partnership introduced key enhancements, featuring a lifted suspension tune, integrated lightbar, underbody protection, recovery points, a bold design aesthetic, and 17-inch satin black alloys fitted with all-terrain tyres—seamlessly aligning with their adventurous vision.

In terms of the design influence, we tried to take the Isuzu D-MAX design theme with its chiselled, confident design language and amp it up to factor 11. It makes a great statement, but it looks equally part of the Isuzu range.

Julian Quincey

Chief Designer

35+ Years Automotive/Design Experience

We chose to partner with Walkinshaw due to their unrivalled local LCV experience and local engineering and design talent pool—with the finished product speaking for itself.

The engineering brief was to improve the off-road capability of this vehicle. We have an engineering team of approximately 60 people split across multiple disciplines—mechatronics, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering—and they cover all areas of the vehicle. Over the 40-year journey, Walkinshaw has done over 100,000 vehicles' worth of remanufacturing.

Trevor Barallon

Chief Engineer

30+ Years Automotive Experience

Isuzu D-MAX BLADE

(2024-)

Every adventure, made better.

The BLADE stands as the flagship model of the ever-popular Isuzu D-MAX range. Engineered specifically for Australian conditions, it strikes the perfect balance between exceptional driving performance and ultimate comfort, no matter the terrain.

With wider wheels and tyres, upgraded suspension, contrasting fender flares, a bold new grille, and more, the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE is built to elevate every adventure.

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The full story behind the Australian remanufactured Isuzu D-MAX BLADE

Walkinshaw was ideally positioned to develop and test a range of enhancements, both at our Melbourne base and in real-world on- and off-road conditions. Using specialized equipment, such as the 4-post rig for all-terrain simulations, alongside a rigorous 100,000km outback durability test program, we ensured the creation of a truly exceptional vehicle.