A fresh report out of Australia claims the new Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 are in line for a “factory-backed” power increase as well as an off-road pack.

According to CarExpert.com.au, the two bakkies (as a reminder, Isuzu builds the D-Max-based BT-50 for Mazda) are set to gain a 10 percent hike in power and torque.

In both models, a 3,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine makes 140 kW and 450 N.m as standard. The publication claims the figures will rise to around 155 kW and about 500 N.m when the new package is introduced either in “six to 12” months from now or further down the line, as part of a mid-cycle update.

Those increased peak figures would see the D-Max and BT-50 pretty much match the outputs of the Toyota Hilux’s uprated 2,8-litre engine (150 kW/500 N.m) and the Ford Ranger’s bi-turbo 2,0-litre unit (157 kW/500 N.m).

The off-road pack, meanwhile is expected to include lifted suspension and “more off-road hardware” such as all-terrain rubber and additional underbody protection.

Whether these rumoured upgrades end up being specific to the Australian market remains to be seen. Of course, the new D-Max is expected to launch in South Africa only in early 2022 once local production kicks off. Mazda Southern Africa, meanwhile, has yet to nail down local launch timing.

Original article from Car