Beefed-up ute approved for Australia: Isuzu D-Max Blade gets Walkinshaw treatment to take on the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Nissan Navara Warrior and maybe even Ford Ranger Raptor

After the likes of the Amarok W580, the HSV Colorado SportsCat and various ongoing American ute conversions, Walkinshaw Automotive Group is now turning its attention to the Isuzu D-Max.

Revealed in government approval documents published online, the upcoming Isuzu D-Max Blade appears to be a new variant developed by Walkinshaw in collaboration between Isuzu.

Judging by Walkinshaw’s history and the provocative name, expect to see a new top-level variant of the brand’s ute in the same vein as the Toyota GR Sport or Mazda BT-50 Thunder Pro.

Off-road-focused upgrades like suspension and tyres as well as new styling cues are likely to be the main extent of the work undertaken by Walkinshaw, though the vague approval documents have no images and nothing has yet been publicly confirmed by either Isuzu or Walkinshaw.

The remarks in the approval document note that the changes to the wheels, tyres and springs have resulted in a ride height change of 26.5mm at the front and 29mm at the rear, while a sailplane with brake light, new wheel arches and a sump guard have also been added.

The D-Max’s axle ratings and GVM are unchanged, according to the notes.

Don’t expect much in the way of drivetrain upgrades, meaning the Blade is unlikely to end up being a direct rival to the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Currently, the D-Max is available with a choice of 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission depending on variant.

The 1.9 makes 110kW and 350Nm, while the 3.0-litre engine (likely to be found in the Blade) makes 140kW and 450Nm.

Given the variant was confirmed just this week, it’s possible we won’t see the D-Max Blade go on sale until the new year, as it’s extremely likely Walkinshaw is doing the conversions locally in one of its Melbourne facilities.

While Isuzu confirmed to CarsGuide there is indeed a collaboration between it and Walkinshaw underway, a spokesperson wasn’t able to provide any further information.

“Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) and Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) are collaborating on possible future product developments,” an Isuzu Australia spokesperson said.

“However, we are not currently able to provide any further details.”