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This is the Isuzu D-Max GO2. It’s a unique build project, designed specifically for off-road driving, which was commissioned by Isuzu UK in order to prove the versatility of the pick-up truck’s platform.
It’s based on the range-topping D-Max Utah – albeit with an extensive list of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, (similar in form and function to those fitted to the old D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks), which Isuzu says makes it suitable for the most gruelling off-road expeditions.
Styling revisions include an intake snorkel, a roof-mounted LED light-bar, a fresh pair of chequer plate side steps, a heavy-duty winch and a chunky bull-bar, which is designed to push through the undergrowth when driving off-road. There’s another heavy-set bumper at the rear, which has been fitted with an uprated tow-bar.
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Isuzu has also upgraded the D-Max’s load bed with a lockable aluminium drawer storage system and a new roller cover. In addition, the GO2’s tailgate has been fitted with a pair of spring-loaded hinges, which prevents the panel from slamming into the pick-up’s body when opened.
The D-Max GO2’s chassis upgrades are equally involved. Isuzu has fitted taller, adjustable suspension, a new rear anti-roll bar, a lockable rear differential and new front wishbones, which allow for greater wheel articulation. There’s also a set of smaller 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in knobbly 33-inch General Grabber X3 Mud Terrain tyres.
Isuzu has also replaced the D-Max’s front disc brakes with larger vented units gripped by part-ceramic pads, while the pick-up’s standard rear drum brakes have been swapped for a Pedders drum and disc combination. The system looks much like a standard disc brake setup, but features a recess near the axle hub which carries an extra set of drum shoes.
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Finally, to prevent the upgrades from being damaged while driving off-road, Isuzu has added a suite of underbody protection panels. There’s a thick bash-plate for the uprated rear differential, as well as a new stainless steel guard on the front axle which protects the engine and suspension components.
The rest of the D-Max GO2’s specification matches that of the standard-issue D-Max Utah. As such, it comes with automatic air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-speaker stereo and a seven-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like the standard D-Max pick-up, the GO2 is powered by a turbocharged 1.9-litre four- cylinder diesel engine, which sends its power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The powertrain has an output of 162bhp and 360Nm of torque, which is enough for a 0–62mph time of around 13 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. More importantly, the powertrain allows the D-Max to haul a maximum payload of around 1,100kg.
Darren James, Group Resources Director at Isuzu UK commented: “This is a fantastic working example of just how easily the Isuzu D-Max can be adapted and transformed into a ‘do anything, go anywhere’ pick-up and should definitely give our customers some inspiration for what they can achieve in their own D-Max.”
What do you make of the Isuzu D-Max GO2? Let us know in the comments section below…
Continue reading...
It’s based on the range-topping D-Max Utah – albeit with an extensive list of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, (similar in form and function to those fitted to the old D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks), which Isuzu says makes it suitable for the most gruelling off-road expeditions.
Styling revisions include an intake snorkel, a roof-mounted LED light-bar, a fresh pair of chequer plate side steps, a heavy-duty winch and a chunky bull-bar, which is designed to push through the undergrowth when driving off-road. There’s another heavy-set bumper at the rear, which has been fitted with an uprated tow-bar.
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
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Isuzu has also upgraded the D-Max’s load bed with a lockable aluminium drawer storage system and a new roller cover. In addition, the GO2’s tailgate has been fitted with a pair of spring-loaded hinges, which prevents the panel from slamming into the pick-up’s body when opened.
The D-Max GO2’s chassis upgrades are equally involved. Isuzu has fitted taller, adjustable suspension, a new rear anti-roll bar, a lockable rear differential and new front wishbones, which allow for greater wheel articulation. There’s also a set of smaller 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in knobbly 33-inch General Grabber X3 Mud Terrain tyres.
Isuzu has also replaced the D-Max’s front disc brakes with larger vented units gripped by part-ceramic pads, while the pick-up’s standard rear drum brakes have been swapped for a Pedders drum and disc combination. The system looks much like a standard disc brake setup, but features a recess near the axle hub which carries an extra set of drum shoes.
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
Finally, to prevent the upgrades from being damaged while driving off-road, Isuzu has added a suite of underbody protection panels. There’s a thick bash-plate for the uprated rear differential, as well as a new stainless steel guard on the front axle which protects the engine and suspension components.
The rest of the D-Max GO2’s specification matches that of the standard-issue D-Max Utah. As such, it comes with automatic air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-speaker stereo and a seven-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like the standard D-Max pick-up, the GO2 is powered by a turbocharged 1.9-litre four- cylinder diesel engine, which sends its power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The powertrain has an output of 162bhp and 360Nm of torque, which is enough for a 0–62mph time of around 13 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. More importantly, the powertrain allows the D-Max to haul a maximum payload of around 1,100kg.
Darren James, Group Resources Director at Isuzu UK commented: “This is a fantastic working example of just how easily the Isuzu D-Max can be adapted and transformed into a ‘do anything, go anywhere’ pick-up and should definitely give our customers some inspiration for what they can achieve in their own D-Max.”
What do you make of the Isuzu D-Max GO2? Let us know in the comments section below…
Continue reading...