The turbodiesel under the hood of this Isuzu restomod concept punches out 220 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
With Thailand being one of its largest markets, many were likely expected Isuzu to drop a few more hints about its upcoming D-Max BEV (which has been touted for launch later this year). However, while any mention of this next-gen all-electric pickup was conspicuously absent during the event, the Japanese automaker did manage to divert attention from it somewhat with the showcase of its rather cool Dragon Max concept restomod pickup.
Based upon a 1998 example of TFR Space Cab, Isuzu has dragged this retro pickup’s boxy silhouette into the modern age primarily by replacing its headlights and taillights with smoked LED units featuring an almost IONIQ 5-esque square signature. This satin grey crew-cab load lugger has further been adorned with a set of black five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in what appears to be semi-slick tyres, and has subsequently been slammed to the ground to complete its cool street truck look.
Now residing under the hood of the Dragon Max is the new 2.2-litre MaxForce turbodiesel four-cylinder lifted straight from the recently refreshed D-Max, which replaces the original 2.5-litre 4JA1 oil-burner that made just 87 PS and 175 Nm of torque. Isuzu has further breathed on this newly transplanted power plant, boosting its output to 220 PS and 550 Nm — up from its standard 163 PS and 400 Nm.
All that power in this street truck is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all four rollers are to be brought to a prompt halt by a set of Brembo brakes that reside behind them.
Moving along inside, the predominantly grey cabin of the Dragon Max is largely lined in suede to match the Alcantara-wrapped Recaro Premium Classic seats. Isuzu has also injected a bit of modern tech into this retro truck (which still comes replete with quarter light windows by the way) with the integration of a 10-inch AIM MXT fully digital driver’s display, in addition to a rather large portrait-oriented 11.8-inch Android infotainment touchscreen that dominates its dashboard.
Those with sharper eyes will have likely noticed transplanted more than just the engine and transmission from the D Max too, with the steering wheel and gear lever to be lifted straight out of the modern truck. The bank of buttons at the bottom of the dash further suggests that this restomod street truck has also inherited stop-start functionality and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) from its contemporary counterpart as well.
Unfortunately, like many restomod concepts, the Dragon Max is unlikely to progress beyond being a one-off motor show princess. However, given what the Thai modding community is capable of, it wouldn’t be all too surprising to see someone build a road-going copy of this cool concept before long!
