Mazda has released the first teaser image
of the redesigned BT-50. Set to be unveiled on June 17th at 11 am AEST (June
16th at 9 pm EST), the redesigned pickup will be a radical departure from its
predecessor as it will no longer be based on the Ford Ranger. Instead, the
truck will be twinned with the new Isuzu D-Max which was introduced last year.
Unfortunately, the teaser image isn’t very
revealing as it simply shows a crew cab pickup with vertical taillights.
However, we can expect the model feature a unique grille which echoes the rest
of the Mazda lineup. There’s no word on how extensive the interior changes will
be, but the D-Max features a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster as well
as a 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
compatibility. The truck also boasts gloss black trim and metallic accents.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the
D-Max offers two different turbodiesels. The 1.9-liter engine produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-liter
develops 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The D-Max offers six-speed automatic and
manual transmissions as well as an upgraded four-wheel drive system. The latter
now features a lightweight aluminum prop shaft and an electric locking rear
differential. While a lot of questions remain, we won’t have to wait much
longer to find out as BT-50 will be unveiled next week.
