|
 | Dakar Rally 2013: Isuzu Motorsport with all-new Dakar D-Max Diesel Pickup.
|
Isuzu has built the most spectacular and powerful D-Max pickup ever to take on the Dakar Rally in January 2013. Based on the robust underpinnings of a production Isuzu D-Max 4×4 double-cab, the pickup has been enhanced to increase performance and to withstand the rigours of over 5,000 miles of arduous terrain.
The vehicle is powered by an Isuzu-developed 3.0-litre (2,994cc) 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine, producing maximum power output of 242 horsepower and 589 Nm of torque. The powerplant, based on a standard Isuzu engine, is mated to a four-wheel drive system and a sequential five-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch.
To protect the vehicle and its occupants against rock impacts and potential accidents, the chassis features 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 pickup’s key components.
Isuzu Motorspors added DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled discs and Harrop aluminium racing callipers to give the racer incredible stopping power. The D-Max Dakar rides on 16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels, shod with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres, for maximum ground clearance when traversing crests, dips and everything in between.
The result of these upgrades is an even tougher pick-up than the road-going model, with exhilarating performance to match. Zero-to-62 mph is taken care of in just seven seconds (on dirt) and top speed has been recorded as high as 190 km/h.
The experienced Isuzu Motorsports International Team has carried out all preparation of the vehicle, which will be piloted by Australian Bruce Garland and Japanese Harry Suzuki.
Harry Suzuki, co-driver and director of Isuzu Motorsports, commented: "The Isuzu D-Max is the perfect Dakar machine. It has the ideal blend of rugged ability and performance, and race prepared by our specialist team, the Isuzu D-Max Dakar will deliver where it counts."
Suzuki continues: "While our D-Max Dakar pickup is purpose-built and race-prepared to withstand the punishment of the toughest motorsport event on the calendar, more than half of the vehicle is built using standard Isuzu production parts and is completely recognisable as a series Isuzu D-Max. This fact reinforces that Isuzu is the manufacturer of tough vehicles able to take on any terrain."
2012/11/21 | 12:59 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/IM
|
|
