Isuzu D-Max Dakar is one of the most spectacular and powerful pick-ups ever built, and it will participate in the Dakar Rally - one of the most gruelling races on earth. The event will happen in January next year.
The vehicle is based on the production Isuzu D-Max 4x4 double-cab, but it has increased performance due to the new 3.0-litre (2,994cc) 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine. It produces output of 242 horsepower (178 kW) and 589 Nm (435 lb-ft) of torque. The powerplant is matched to a four-wheel drive system and a sequential five-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch.
Further enhancements regard the chassis, which includes custom-built, full-length eight millimetre aluminium skid plates, while the steel cab body is fitted with an integrated roll-cage and carbon-fibre panels that shield the pick-up's key components.
The immediate stopping is ensured by the additionally added DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled discs and Harrop aluminium racing calipers. Isuzu D-Max Dakar rides on 16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels, shod with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres. And to sum up the result of these enhancements, it is a great acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h in seven seconds. The top speed is 190 kph.
Technical specifications:
| Body and construction | |
| Base vehicle | Isuzu D-Max 4x4 double cab |
| Body | Isuzu steel cab body with integrated roll-cage and carbon fibre panels |
| Chassis | Garland Motorsports-modified Isuzu D-Max chassis |
| Underbody | Custom-built, full-length 8 mm aluminium skid plates |
| Engine and transmission | |
| Engine | Isuzu-developed 2994cc in-line DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel |
| Power | 242 horsepower (180 kw) @ 4800 rpm |
| Torque | 589 Nm (434 ft/lb) @ 2000 rpm |
| Cooling | Davies Craig electric water pump with Adrad custom cross-flow aluminium cab-mounted radiator with dual electric fans |
| Induction | Isuzu turbocharger with intercooler mounted in original radiator position |
| Gearbox and clutch | Five-speed Hollinger sequential gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch |
| Fuel tank | Custom-built dual aluminium fuel tank with a total capacity of 320 litres (85 gallons) |
| Drivetrain, suspension and damping | |
| Front differential | Isuzu rear housing, modified to suit independent front suspension and drive-shaft |
| Rear differential | Isuzu rear axle and housing, modified to suit ladder-bar rear suspension |
| Front suspension | Custom-built independent, torsion-bar using Isuzu lower control arm, King off-road racing reservoir shocks and adjustable stops |
| Rear suspension | Custom-built coil-sprung ladder bar with adjustable King off-road racing, remote reservoir shocks and adjustable stops |
| Brakes, wheels and tyres | |
| Brakes | DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors and Harrop aluminium racing callipers |
| Wheels | 16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels |
| Tyres | Toyo Open Country M/T-R |
| Interior | |
| Telemetry | Racepak data gathering and engine control |
| Seats | Recaro motorsport shell |
| Steering wheel | Momo three-spoke |
| Weight | |
| Weight | 2300kg (approximately) |
| Performance | |
| 0-100km/h (60mph | 7 seconds (estimated, on dirt) |
| Top speed | 190 kph |
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