• The All-New Isuzu D-MAX is powered by a new, quieter, more-powerful, more-thermally efficient 3-Litre turbo-diesel, generating 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque
• Improved drivability, with wider mid-range torque band, paired with revised 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions and available in 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.
• Reengineered for durability, drivability and efficiency with Australian Customer, Dealer and Media feedback in mind

With over 26-million diesel engines manufactured to date, Isuzu have long been at the forefront of diesel engine development for decades. Isuzu's truck-derived 3-litre turbo-diesel 4JJ1-TC engine is often revered as the benchmark of frugality and durability, first making its way into the Isuzu D-MAX in 2008. In 2017, local customer, dealer and media feedback led to the reengineering of the famed 3-litre, with the introduction of the Euro-5 4JJ1-TC HI. Now coinciding with the introduction of the all-new, third-generation Isuzu D-MAX in September 2020, that same local feedback fueled the global decision to redevelop the 3-litre further, this time as Isuzu's new, Euro-5 compliant, 4JJ3-TCX—an engine reengineered with new levels of power, torque, refinement, durability and thermal efficiency. Available as standard across the entire D-MAX range, the advanced 4JJ3-TCX paired with 6-speed transmissions, is set to power the highly-anticipated ute well into the future.

Evolving from the proven 4JJ1 platform to now produce 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600rpm through to 2,600rpm, the 4JJ3-TCX sports a 10kW and 20Nm improvement over the preceding engine respectively. The strength of the engine comes courtesy of the wider and stronger torque band, with the 450Nm peak figure now available across a flat 1,000rpm stretch—a torque-band five times wider and more usable than its predecessor. Testament to how torque-efficient the 4JJ3-TCX is, midrange torque has also been further finessed, with a hearty 400Nm on tap from only 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm. The result is a linear delivery of torque across the entire rev-range, a welcomed improvement in both drivability and performance, particularly when towing or under load. Impressively, 300Nm is now produced from just 1,000rpm—just above idle—a benefit to four-wheel drivers who require low-down torque for crawling up hills.

Not only have Isuzu Engineers pumped the engine's numbers, they've made it more thermally efficient through the reduction of internal friction and emissions—both noise and gas. Depending on the D-MAX model, fuel consumption figures return a respectable 7.7-8.0-litres/100km and just 200-207g/km of CO2, during ADR 81/02 combined cycle testing—not only retaining the D-MAX's reputation for fuel efficiency but taking an additional step in protecting the environment.

Comprising of a new engine block, cylinder-head, crankshaft and lightweight aluminium pistons, the 4JJ3-TCX breathes through a new forward-facing air intake system that feeds the new electronically controlled Variable Geometry System (VGS) Turbocharger, which has been heavily revised to reduce turbo-lag new high-efficiency exhaust and compressor wheels improves efficiency and throttle-response, whilst the introduction of a new high-efficiency shaft bearing reduces internal friction and improves turbocharger longevity. Mounted on the back of the VGS Turbocharger is Isuzu's tried and proven Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD), which has been further revised to increase efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. Engine exhaust emissions are then expelled through a new exhaust system, which is 26% lighter than the preceding D-MAX.

Fuel delivery is precisely controlled by a new high-pressure direct injection fuel system. A new more efficient fuel pump pressurises diesel fuel to over 250MPa before it is atomized and precisely injected into newly-designed combustion chambers atop of each piston, by new more-durable direct injectors. Engineered by DENSO for high performance applications, this new direct fuel injection system have less-moving internal parts in each injector and optimised for efficiency with the fuel pump requiring 20% less energy to pressurise the fuel to 25% more pressure than the preceding system.

New lightweight aluminium pistons have been heavily-optimised with a tapered and wider combustion chamber for improved air-and-fuel ignition and thermal efficiency. Internal durability and thermal efficiency has been further improved through the reduction of friction and heat dispersion, with the new piston crowns, skirts and gudgeon pins coated with anti-friction diamond-like carbon heat insulation. Adding an extra layer of durability and longevity to the new engine block, each cylinder bore is strengthened with Isuzu's induction-hardened melt-in liner—which significantly improves strength and thermal efficiency, without the need of an additional heavy steel bore liner. Keeping the new pistons in time with the valve-train is a robust, maintenance-free stainless-steel timing chain, which is now directed by a quieter, more efficient, double scissor idle gear set—that improves durability and dramatically diminishes engine rattle and vibrations.

Power and torque is transferred to the wheels via either Isuzu's MVL-6S 6-speed manual transmission or an Aisin-built AWE6B45 II 6-Speed automatic transmission—both now sporting improvements and refinements to their operation. The 6-speed manual transmission features a pull ring selector, allowing the driver to precisely select reverse with a more fluid motion and shift accuracy. Gear engagements are snappier, crisper and more enjoyable, with an optimised pivot point and shorter selector throw. A new dual-mass flywheel absorbs vibrations and torque pulses from the engine for smoother and more efficient drivability and transmission longevity. The 6-speed automatic transmission has seen further efficiency optimisation—improving on transmission shifting speed, internal efficiency and operating temperature regulation. With surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle—up to the maximum 3.5-tonnes—a new Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) warmer and cooler and new pan design has been developed for improved ATF longevity and temperature stability, particularly when towing. Gear shifts are smoother, more efficient and quicker than the preceding model, with an improvement of up to 0.2 seconds in shift time between gears, with a more intuitive selection.

4x4 D-MAX models further benefit from a revised 4x4 transfer case with a new electronic actuator, that speeds up the shift from 2-High to 4-High at speeds of up to 100km/h in less than a second. Switching from 4-High to 4-Low also takes just under a second, a huge improvement over the preceding system that took upwards of 2 seconds to engage. Transferring drive from the transmission to the rear differential is a new, larger-diameter one-piece aluminium tailshaft. Lighter than traditional steel tailshafts, the use of aluminium boasts a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio and allows the powertrain to be more efficient through lowering rotational mass, which also improves response, harmonics, durability and performance. Pound for pound, an aluminium tailshaft is stronger and in comparison with traditional mild-steel tailshafts. Driven directly by customer and media feedback, the All-New D-MAX now also features a rear electromagnetic locking differential (rear diff-lock). Drivers can engage the rear diff-lock at a push of a button, distributing torque evenly across both rear wheels to give the All-New D-MAX supreme drive and traction when off-road.

More than just an engine, Isuzu engineers have refined and reengineered the entire powertrain to be more efficient, quieter and to deliver more performance, in all conditions. Developed with local feedback, the powertrain of the All-New D-MAX is Isuzu's most advanced ever.

Ahead of the public unveiling via www.isuzuute.com.au/All-New-D-MAX, Pricing and Specification of the All-New Isuzu D-MAX is Embargoed until 10am 13th August 2020.

- END -

About Isuzu UTE
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Isuzu UTE Australia was founded in 2008 bringing the award winning Isuzu D-MAX to Australia and then in 2013, the Isuzu MU-X 7-seat SUV. Despite being comparatively new to Australia, our network is extremely well established with over 100 years of automotive experience and expertise behind us.
We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's largest trading and investment company, Mitsubishi Corporation with which Isuzu Motors Limited has extensive business arrangements. Isuzu Motors dates back to 1916 and is now the world's largest manufacturer of trucks and diesel engines. Producing heavy, medium and light-duty trucks, buses, passenger vehicle engines, marine and industrial-use diesel engines, Isuzu Motors is at the forefront of vehicle chassis and diesel engine technology.
Our resources and our automotive knowledge are vast, and this shows in the quality of our product and level of service. With a network of over 157 authorised Isuzu UTE outlets across every state and territory in Australia, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service and support throughout the entire country.