As the naming rights partner of the A-League Men’s Championship, Isuzu has supported Australia’s premier football competition with a fleet of vehicles for ground and operations support. Now they have something completely different for the finals series.
Isuzu is getting involved on the pitch by debuting a mini D-MAX, tasked with delivering the match ball at the start of play. It might just be the coolest remote control car on the planet, and we want one.
“Partnering with the A-Leagues has been an absolute privilege, and we are excited to welcome our mini D-MAX to the upcoming A-Leagues Final Series,” Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato said.
“We’ve watched from the side-lines all season, so we are excited to be a starter at each of the upcoming finals fixtures and have the honour of delivering the match ball to the captains of the top teams from our League.”
Finished in the iconic Volcanic Amber metallic—an exclusive colour synonymous with the flagship X-TERRAIN—the mini Isuzu D-MAX is expected to impress spectators at each of the seven final series matches, as it zips across the pitch at speeds of up to 40km/h.
Hand-built in Brisbane using the latest in 3D scanning, CAD design, and 3D printing technology, the 1/6th scale replica measures in at 860mm in length, 340mm in height, and tips the scales at 15kg.
Underneath the fibreglass body is an Axial SCX6 Rock Crawler chassis, a popular choice among hobbyists. The 1,200Kv sensored brushless electric motor is controlled via a 120-amp electronic speed controller and is powered by a 14.8-volt 5.2Ah LiPo battery.
With the lush turf of the football pitch in mind, the mini D-MAX features dual-range four wheel drive, with a metal-gear 4WD transfer case and 25:1 high-range and 85:1 low-range ratios. Traction is further enhanced with locked front and rear differentials.
It even features multi-link suspension with adjustable aluminium coil-overs. A custom moulded Perspex claw mounted in the rear tray secures the match ball while the D-MAX is in motion.
It’s controlled by two ex-Team D-MAX stunt drivers and I-Venture Club trainers, who will drive the mini D-MAX via remote control at each of the upcoming fixtures.
The Isuzu Ute A-League Final Series is set to kick-off from 14 May, with the Grand Final deciding the 2022 champions 28 May. All matches will be televised across Network Ten and on-demand via Paramount+.
