That is the Isuzu Dragon Max, a brand new idea automobile that has made its debut at this yr’s Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present (BIMS). Based on the Japanese automaker, the Dragon Max is a restomod based mostly on the third-generation TFR pick-up truck that was launched in 1988, particularly the house cab variant.
For these aware of Chinese language zodiacs, 1988 was the 12 months of the Dragon, therefore the primary portion of the title. The TFR glided by many names in different markets and was apparently nicknamed ‘Dragon’ in Thailand, type of like how sure generations of the Honda Civic have been dubbed ‘Dolphin’, ‘Mayat’ and ‘Ketam in Malaysia. The TFR would finally get replaced with the D-Max in 2002.
As for ‘Max’, it refers back to the model’s newest MaxForce turbodiesel engine. Within the current-day D-Max, the RZ4F-TC 2.2 litre inline-four serves up 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, however the one within the idea has been fiddled with to make 220 PS and 550 Nm. The added grunt is distributed to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed automated transmission.
The restomod course of portray the TFR in gray and reducing the journey top to offer it a drag truck look. Elsewhere, the outdated headlamps and taillights are changed with extra LED models, accompanied by LED daytime working lights, black 17-inch alloy wheels (with 225/50 profile Yokohama Advan Fleva tyres) and a tailgate spoiler.
Inside, the angular dashboard will get modernised with a digital instrument cluster, portrait-style infotainment touchscreen and USB energy shops. We even spot controls for traction management, engine start-stop and push begin, though the idea retain the unique truck’s buttons close to the gauge cluster for the wipers and lights. Different options embody Alcantara trim, fake carbon-fibre accents, distinction stitching in addition to new seats and a steering wheel wrapped in leather-based and suede.
Thailand loves pick-up vans, and Isuzu refers back to the TFR/Dragon as a legend price reimagining for the fashionable world. Accompanying the Dragon Max’s debut is a promotional video aimed toward invoking nostalgia, which you’ll be able to take a look at beneath.
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