This is the Isuzu Dragon Max, a new concept vehicle that has made its debut at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). According to the Japanese automaker, the Dragon Max is a restomod based on the third-generation TFR pick-up truck that was introduced in 1988, specifically the space cab variant.
For those familiar with Chinese zodiacs, 1988 was the Year of the Dragon, hence the first portion of the name. The TFR went by many names in other markets and was apparently nicknamed ‘Dragon’ in Thailand, kind of like how certain generations of the Honda Civic were dubbed ‘Dolphin’, ‘Mayat’ and ‘Ketam in Malaysia. The TFR would eventually be replaced with the D-Max in 2002.
As for ‘Max’, it refers to the brand’s latest MaxForce turbodiesel engine. In the current-day D-Max, the RZ4F-TC 2.2 litre inline-four serves up 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, but the one in the concept has been fiddled with to make 220 PS and 550 Nm. The added grunt is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The restomod process painting the TFR in grey and lowering the ride height to give it a drag truck look. Elsewhere, the old headlamps and taillights are replaced with more LED units, accompanied by LED daytime running lights, black 17-inch alloy wheels (with 225/50 profile Yokohama Advan Fleva tyres) and a tailgate spoiler.
Inside, the angular dashboard gets modernised with a digital instrument cluster, portrait-style infotainment touchscreen and USB power outlets. We even spot controls for traction control, engine start-stop and push start, although the concept retain the original truck’s buttons near the gauge cluster for the wipers and lights. Other features include Alcantara trim, faux carbon-fibre accents, contrast stitching as well as new seats and a steering wheel wrapped in leather and suede.
Thailand loves pick-up trucks, and Isuzu refers to the TFR/Dragon as a legend worth reimagining for the modern world. Accompanying the Dragon Max’s debut is a promotional video aimed at invoking nostalgia, which you can check out below.
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