To commemorate Isuzu’s successful completion of its 72-hour challenge, GMSA has announced the release of the Isuzu KB72, an added value version of the popular KB250 LE double-cab.
At the heart of that challenge was a drive to better established time and distance records for diesel-powered bakkies in 2003. During the challenge Isuzu demonstrated the reliability, durability and economy of its proven diesel technology. Fundamental to the success in the quest for new records was the capability of the vehicles to be driven non-stop on the limit for a period of 72 hours with fuel economy having a direct impact on the result as time taken to refuel the vehicles translated into time and kilometers lost on the track. The KB300 D-TEQ set the pace in the challenge and covered 12 243,38 kilometers in the 72-hour period at an average speed of 170,074km/h. These numbers significantly exceeded the previous records of 11 520,664 kilometers and 160,009km/h held by a 2.7-litre petrol engine bakkie.
A surprise result achieved during the 72-hour challenge was the records set by the Isuzu KB250 D-TEQ bakkie. This model impureved on the existing 3.0-litre diesel records by 470 kilometers and 5km/h and came within a hair’s breadth of beating the 2.7-litre petrol records, falling just 25km short of that mark, or 0,4km/h slower. It is this remarkable success of the KB250 LE that Isuzu is inviting customers to share with the release of a limited number of KB72 double-cabs, with the option of either 4X2 or 4X4 drivetrains. The KB72 offers enhanced specification, visual appeal and value at a substantially reduced cost than if the same enhancements were made by the customer. The KB72 specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres, a body-clour front bumper, body-colour wheelarch moldings and aluminium running boards. The value of these items fitted as an aftermarket option would amount to approximately R19 000…
The KB72 double-cab retails for R314 500 and R358 500 respectively for the 4X2 and the 4X4.
- Christo Valentyn
