Mazda in Australia says it has “something special” in store for its BT-50 in 2021, reviving speculation the company is planning a Ford Ranger Raptor rival.
Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, dropped the hint to CarsGuide.com.au.
“We’re also working on something special for BT-50 in the near future, but today is not the day to discuss those details, so please stayed tuned,” Bhindi said.
The publication claims the upcoming special version of the D-Max-based bakkie (remember, Isuzu builds the BT-50 for Mazda) won’t gain a power boost, with its 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine likely to stick with the stock outputs of 140 kW and 450 N.m. Instead, CarsGuide.com.au suggests it will boast more aggressive styling and perhaps a suspension upgrade.
However, that doesn’t quite line up with an earlier report out of the same country, which claimed both the new D-Max and BT-50 were in line for a “factory-backed” power increase as well as an off-road pack.
Yes, in September 2020 the folks over at CarExpert.com.au suggested the oil-burner’s peak outputs would rise to around 155 kW and about 500 N.m, with an off-road pack adding lifted suspension and “more off-road hardware” such as all-terrain rubber and additional underbody protection.
As a reminder, the new D-Max is expected to launch in South Africa only in early 2022 once local production kicks off, while the BT-50 may well arrive on local soil before the end of 2021.