The Dragon Max restomod features updated styling, a lowered stance, and a new turbodiesel engine
- Isuzu has introduced a heavily upgraded version of the TFR pickup from 1988.
- The Dragon Max features LED lights, 17-inch wheels, and a lowered suspension.
- The one-off is equipped with a tuned turbodiesel producing 217 hp and 406 lb-ft.
Classic truck lovers, take note: Isuzu just dropped a retro-inspired concept that proves old-school charm still has a place in the modern auto world. And they did it in style—by reviving a fan-favorite from the late ’80s with a twist that’s more than just skin deep.
It’s called the Dragon Max and it’s a sharp-looking restomod based on the brand’s 1988 TFR midsize truck. This one-off concept pairs updated styling with a new turbodiesel engine and a fully modernized interior, giving the old platform a second life.
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The Dragon was the local nickname for the Isuzu TFR in Thailand, a model that wore many faces across global markets. Depending on where you lived, this truck might’ve been badged as the Faster, Rodeo, Pickup, Invader, or even the Honda Ippon. It also made appearances under Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, and Chevrolet nameplates. Originally launched in 1988, this generation stuck around until 2002, when it was eventually replaced by the first-gen Isuzu D-Max.
Retro Looks, Modern Hardware
The Dragon Max keeps the original TFR bodyshell mostly intact but updates the visuals with a few key touches. New LED headlights and taillights with a smoked finish give it an updated look, while a subtly lit grille and a matte paintjob pull it firmly into 2025. A rear spoiler adds a sporty edge, and black 17-inch wheels combined with revised suspension bring the whole thing down into lowrider territory.
The approach isn’t unlike what Hyundai pulled off a few years back with concepts like the Heritage Series Grandeur—modern tech and style layered onto a familiar silhouette.
Isuzu Thailand
Isuzu hasn’t skimped on materials either. Most of the interior plastics have been swapped for Alcantara, with added carbon trim and leather seat inserts to dial up the premium feel. Since the concept is based on the extended-cab (Space Cab) version of the truck, there’s a bit of room behind the front seats, plus a reasonably sized bed in the back for carrying whatever cool stuff retro truck fans haul around these days.
A Proper Power Upgrade
The most significant upgrades are mechanical. At the heart of the Dragon Max is Isuzu’s 2.2-liter MaxForce turbodiesel engine, the same modern unit recently introduced in the current D-Max and MU-X models.
According to Paultan, the engine’s been tuned to produce 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. That’s a jump of 57 PS and 150 Nm over the standard spec, and more than double the output of the original TFR. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a modern eight-speed automatic transmission, which feels about right for a truck that’s part time machine, part tech showcase.
The Dragon Max was revealed at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), where it drew plenty of attention from showgoers. To accompany the unveiling, Isuzu released a throwback-themed video that hits the nostalgia button just right. You can check it out below.
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