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March 23, 2026

Isuzu Challenge D-MAX Is A Wild-Looking 285-Horsepower Racer


The Tamaraw OMR better watch out. Isuzu is the next one to throw their hat in the One Make Race (OMR) ring with the Isuzu Challenge Thailand 2026 D-Max. And next to Toyota’s effort, this one looks mighty wild.

Starting with the D-Max Spacecab was a basis, Isuzu tuned their new 2.2-liter RZ4F 4-cylinder to 285 horsepower and 507 Nm of torque from 163 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque stock. While it keeps the same 6-speed manual, the clutch has been beefed up with a BK Racing clutch and rear limited slip differential.



Cornering has been sharpened with a Penske 2-way suspension system, complemented by specially designed leaf springs. Braking performance are handled by the Neotech EVO-R braking system with 6-pot front (360 mm disc) and 4-pot rear brakes with Ferodo brake pads. Finally, the car rides on 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Aerodiscs at the rear wrapped in Toyo Proxes Sport 2 (275/40R18) tires.

Of course, the Isuzu Challenge Thailand D-Max has the wild looks to match the performance. A full aero kit, inspired by GT race car styling, has been developed by Tera Engineering especially for the racing pickup truck. It stands out with a front wing and an adjustable rear spoiler, along with a specially designed tonneau cover incorporating aerodynamic fins. Additional elements include wide fenders, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and front and rear tow hooks.



Inside, it has an FIA-compliant roll cage, racing seats, racing harnesses, window safety net, and an automatic fire suppression system. It also features a specially designed Zestek steering wheel. Remarkably, it keeps its infotainment system but now comes equipped with a special Telemetry system that records driving data and displays real-time engine and driver status information. This marks the first time such a system has been implemented in a one-make race.

The Isuzu Challenge Thailand 2026 racing season will encompass seven races across three race weekends:
  • Event 1 (Race 1–3): June 5–7, 2026 – Chang International Circuit, Buriram
  • Event 2 (Race 4–5): August 14–16, 2026 – Chang International Circuit, Buriram
  • Event 3 (Race 6–7): October 14–18, 2026 – PT Songkhla Grand Prix, Songkhla



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