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.

Isuzu D-Max Dakar (2012)
Isuzu D-Max Dakar (2012) - picture 1 of 2
Isuzu D-Max Dakar (2012) - picture 2 of 2

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

Source: Isuzu