Motoring Beefing up BT-50

l NEWS

| Nick Dalton

TWO new accessory packs are available to bolster the offroad capability and visual impact of the Mazda BT-50 SP and Thunder models.

Adding more aggression to the Mazda BT-50 SP, the ‘pro’ enhancement pack adds Nitrocharger suspension for the first time to the BT-50. Specifically tuned for the set-up of the vehicle, the new suspension incorporates upgraded springs that add a lift of up to 5cm to increase the ute’s offroad prowess, paired to twin tube shock absorbers.

Mazda says the modifications have been rigorously tested to ensure that the vehicle lift does not impact any safety systems – including the standard-fit ABS and Electronic Stability

Control (DSC). Exclusive new 18in wheels increase the vehicle’s track to further enhance its 4WD credentials.

An integrated Lightforce LED lightbar set into the front grille has 1 lux of illumination at up to 569m.

As a finishing touch, BT-50 ‘SP Pro’ decals are applied to the lower flank of the Mazda ute. The Mazda BT-50 SP Pro accessory pack is priced at

$7668 (recommended fitting price). Additionally, a BT-50 Thunder Pro pack is also now available, building on the expansive specification of the BT-50 Thunder model grade –which already includes a fully engineered and ADR-approved single hoop bulbar and powerful LED lightbar – and adding even more useful upgrades for when the going gets tough.

The BT-50 Thunder Pro pack includes an Old Man Emu BP51 suspension, set up for medium load use where weight requirements range from 0-300kg.

Locally developed and tested in the harshest conditions, the BP-51 kit features nitrogenfilled dampers with a remote reservoir, and is manually adjustable for both compression and rebound.

A snorkel is also fitted, while round Lightforce LED driving lights add to the support the lightbar’s illumination.

Priced at $9046, the Thunder Pro pack represents a $500 saving for customers compared to specifying the same accessories individually. The packs can be fitted retrospectively to existing customer vehicles, and come with a twoyear warranty. Added to a new BT-50 the warranty is five years/ unlimited kilometres.