Isuzu's new beefed-up ute is gearing up to hit the market, co-developed by Australian automotive powerhouse Walkinshaw.

Walkinshaw's latest ute venture is an off-road version of the D-Max, with Isuzu proudly calling it a "completely Australian" project.

Walkinshaw's latest ute venture is an off-road version of the D-Max, with Isuzu proudly calling it a "completely Australian" project.

Isuzu and Walkinshaw have cooked up Australia's latest locally fettled ute, but there's no extra power under the bonnet. Here's why.

The Isuzu D-Max Blade is one step closer to showrooms, with the tougher, Walkinshaw-fettled dual-cab being shown for the first time.

The Isuzu D-Max Blade is one step closer to showrooms, with the tougher, Walkinshaw-fettled dual-cab being shown for the first time.

Isuzu is happy with demand for its new D-Max Blade, with expressions of interest coming in stronger numbers than anticipated.

Isuzu is happy with demand for its new D-Max Blade, with expressions of interest coming in stronger numbers than anticipated.

Isuzu is fully focused on its first Walkinshaw-developed model, but it hasn't slammed the door on future Blade models.

Isuzu is fully focused on its first Walkinshaw-developed model, but it hasn't slammed the door on future Blade models.