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Team Isuzu D-MAX’s supersized off road behemoths

It all started with joking about sticking a 38 inch tyre on a stock D-MAX


EMG Pty Ltd is the company behind one of Australia's most famous and leading driving teams known as Team Isuzu D-MAX. They have recently unveiled their new "concept x" counterparts to the showroom versions of the D-MAX and MU-X.

This majorly large 4WD combo is rarely dwarfed by any other modified car on the market. They feature a new aggressive body styling, pumped up and widened bodies/guards and last but certainty not least, a massive amount of lift to accommodate and fit the 38 x 15.5 R20 Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain Tyres.

We got to check out insane new concept and talk to the Isuzu team about their creation!


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX


- Credit : StreetFX Motorsport


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX

Jack Monkhouse, the lead driver of Team D-MAX jokingly says that "The tyres are what got us started". This all started when the Isuzu boys were at a 4WD trade show and saw some huge Toyo tyres that they thought would look awesome on an Isuzu, they set out to make it happen.

This set in stone Team D-MAX's new mission to build the ultimate double act.


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX

Wayne agrees that "the project got a bit out of control but once we'd started, we were determined to make them special". They didn't want to build the next racer, pre-runner or even a rock climber, no. These cars were built to be the ultimate 4WD Tourer.

Wayne goes on to say that "It would have been easy just to bolt on a lot of accessories but we really wanted to go our own way, so most of the build; the guards, bull bars, bonnet, brakes, suspension and chassis mods are all in-house custom work.”

The end result is two beasts that look like the belong in Michael Bay's next Transformers blockbuster.


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX

Now we delve into the deep and gritty hard work the team has done on these vehicles. Starting with Combining form and function, the Concept X spec sheet includes front and rear winches and a bespoke suspension package with 60mm remote reservoir shock absorbers. A high performance four wheel disc brake package on both vehicles delivers the ultimate stopping power and combines six-piston callipers with 390mm full floating rotors at the front and four- piston callipers with 355mm full floating rotors at the rear.


- Credit : StreetFX Motorsport


- Credit : StreetFX Motorsport

The D-MAX’s full-alloy tray rivals the Mona Lisa in terms of its artistic beauty, and below it the standard rear leaf spring suspension set-up has been replaced with a custom MU-X style 5-link coil spring configuration.

With the big tyres and another 7 inches of suspension lift, the approach and departure angles steepen impressively to 50 and 38 degrees respectively.


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX


- Credit : Team Isuzu D-MAX

The exhaust systems have been tweaked, the Concept X vehicles are still powered by unmodified versions of Isuzu’s legendary 4JJ1-TC 3-litre diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmissions, while the interior incorporates the premium styling and features of the LS-T model D-MAX and MU-X.

The exhaust has been tweaked a little bit to sound tougher than stock but the concept X vehicles are still powered by stock versions of Isuzu's legendary 4JJ1-TC 3 Litre Diesel and stand 6 speed automatic transmissions. The same mostly stock design is carried across to the interior, but really with a beauty like this who would want to see the inside!

Wayne says “We’ve used different vehicle brands throughout the team’s history but Isuzu’s truck DNA sets them apart from the rest. Their diesel engines are simply the best in the business and the whole package has been outstanding in terms of reliability. The performance vehicles are close to showroom spec and get jumped, bumped and driven on two wheels, week in week out. We really want to show people how capable they are without having to go crazy with modifications. The Concept X duo is a bit on the wild side though. They’re a bit like the evil cousins of the family.” he laughed.

Team D-MAX is known for their ability to push their cars to their absolute limits, these I'm sure will be no exception to the rule. Even though the Concept X will not be for sale in your local showrooms, you will still get the chance to see the D-MAX and MU-X as they tour the country for events and 4WD shows!

For more info on Team D-MAX or their awesome creations check them out here: Team Isuzu DMAX.

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