Mazda in Australia has published a shadowy teaser image for the new BT-50, while also confirming a reveal date for the Isuzu-based bakkie.

The image was posted to Mazda Australia’s various social media channels, along with the line “something huge is coming”.

The Japanese firm’s division Down Under says the new bakkie will be unwrapped on 17 June (confirming earlier rumours it would break cover this month), billing it as a “once in a generation Mazda”.

While the outgoing BT-50 shares much with the Ford Ranger, the next-generation model will be based on Isuzu’s new D-Max (the latter is scheduled to start rolling off the Port Elizabeth assembly line only in the second half of 2021 although production in Thailand has already started).

A report from April 2020 suggested the new BT-50 would share the latest D-Max’s updated 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine, which boasts peak outputs of 140 kW and 450 N.m. Expect six-speed manual and automatic transmissions to carry over, too.

The new BT-50 is also set to gain the latest D-Max’s rear diff-lock, along with that model’s infotainment system (rather than Mazda’s own MZD-Connect arrangement). The latter will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, while the steering column will finally gain adjustment for reach (in addition to rake).

Late in 2019, an Isuzu official said Mazda had no input into the development of the new D-Max, suggesting Mazda was responsible only for styling its version of the bakkie.

Original article from Car