New Mazda BT-50 teased, debut timing revealed
Mazda Australia has teased what appears to be the first new BT-50 ute in almost a decade, announcing that a "once in a generation" new Mazda model is set to make its debut on June 17, 2020.
"Something huge is coming. Tune in on 17 June, 11am AEST for the global launch of a once in a generation Mazda. Set your reminder now," Mazda claimed on social media, posting a shadowy image of what appears to be a dual-cab ute.
While the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm the teaser is, in fact, for a new BT-50, the tray-back silhouette in the photo serves a dead giveaway the new arrival is likely the updated ute.
Something huge is coming. Tune in on 17 June, 11am AEST for the global launch of a once in a generation Mazda. Set your reminder now.
A post shared by Mazda Australia (@mazdaaus) on Jun 9, 2020 at 7:01pm PDT
Buyers have been waiting more than nine years for an updated BT-50, with the current-generation model first hitting showrooms back in 2011.
The incoming generation of Mazda utes will be the first examples built on the new Isuzu D-Max, marking the end of a 48-year partnership between Mazda and Ford that saw previous generations of the BT-50 based on the popular Ford Ranger ute.
Drive understands there will be no significant under-the-skin differences between the new Isuzu D-Max and the new Mazda BT-50.
Although Isuzu is yet to confirm local pricing and specifications for the D-Max, it's likely both cars will be powered by an updated version of Isuzu’s trusty 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, producing outputs of 140kW/450Nm, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
The updated Isuzu D-Max – the first new-generation D-Max model in eight years – is due to land in July.
Design-wise, the new BT-50 is expected to be more "truck-like" than previous models, sharing plenty of its size and shape with the D-Max, although boasting a unique front end designed by Mazda.
It's likely the BT-50's arrival in showrooms will follow the D-Max's July debut, with buyers possibly able to get their hands on the new generation in late 2020 or early 2021.
Of course, it's entirely possible this mysterious new arrival isn't a BT-50 and is something else entirely. A CX-5 cab-chassis, perhaps? The MX-5 Safari? An RX-7 crossover? Place your bets in the comments section.