Dakar Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu Motorsports International Off-Road Race Team has announced its return to the Dakar Rally in 2013. The gruelling event, which begins on the 5th of January, runs for fifteen days and covers over 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometres) between Lima, Peru and Chile.

It will be competing with a heavily modified version of the latest D-Max double-cab pick-up, which features a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. Thanks to various tweaks, the four-cylinder motor’s outputs have been increased to a substantial 242 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 589 Nm (434 lb/ft) of torque.

Isuzu D-Max Dakar T2 2013 Front Side 1

Isuzu D-Max Dakar T2 2013 Front Side 2

Coupled to an Xtreme rally clutch, Hollinger five-speed sequential gearbox and an all-wheel drive system, the result is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of around seven seconds (on dirt) and a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).

Other alterations include the fitment of 16” ROH Trojan alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres, DBA Kangaroo Paw disc brakes, Harrop aluminium racing calipers, custom built suspension components and an 85 gallon (320 litres) fuel tank. Completing the package are Recaro seats, a full roll-cage and full-length underbody aluminium skid plates.

Driving the D-Max will be Australian Bruce Garland, while Harry Suzuki has been named as co-driver.

Related posts:
Isuzu D-Max UK specs
2012 Holden Colorado

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