THE mighty D-Max pick-up is hardly a wimp to begin with, but that hasn't stopped Isuzu packing off its best-seller to boot camp.
It has given Arctic Trucks, a company which engineers 4x4s to meet the toughest terrain, the job of personal trainer and so create the "most extreme D-Max ever sold".
Called the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, the Isuzu retains the standard pick-up's one-tonne payload and ability to tow a 3.5 tonne braked trailer.
The AT35 upgrades are focused on extra off-road capability, and the suspension has been re-engineered with Fox Performance Series shocks to deliver increased mobility over the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.
Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most challenging, slippery conditions
These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road surfaces, with the rubber fitted to wheels of 17-inch diameter and 10-inch width, which is considerably larger than the standard D-Max.
The modifications mean the ride height is 125mm higher than the normal D-Max, leading to greater approach, departure and break-over angles.
The AT35 is available in either double-cab or extended-cab configurations and with five-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearboxes.
The engine is the same 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel found in lesser D-Max models, with 161bhp and 296lb/ft.
Drivers can switch between two-wheel-drive and high-ratio four-wheel-drive at speeds up to 60mph. Low-ratio four-wheel-drive can be engaged while stationary with the transmission in neutral and, combined with other Arctic Trucks enhancements, means the AT35 can crawl up and over almost anything it finds itself in front of.
AT35 prices start at £30,995 for an extended cab with a manual gearbox and rise to £34,495 for a double-cab model with automatic transmission.
