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Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Japanese carmaker confirmed earlier reports (see here) today about the unveiling of a third iteration of the Kizashi Concept series at the upcoming New York International Show later this month. According to Suzuki, the Kizashi 3 not only represents the completion of the concept series but most importantly, it will provide us with a closer-to-production vision of a future sport sedan offering from the Japanese carmaker. Also on stand in
Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Suzuki
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The introduction of the Equator at the Chicago Auto Show marks Suzuki’s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market expanding the company’s offerings into a popular segment of the
At the Chicago Show, Suzuki presented three modified versions of the Equator, the RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concepts. The production version, which is expected to go on sale at the end of the year, will be offered with a choice of two engines, a 2.5-liter inline four with 152 HP and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 engine producing 261 HP with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. –Pics and details after the jump
Press Release:
2009 Suzuki Equator
Performance and Functionality
Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator’s V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, variable valve timing and a silent two-stage timing chain.
The Equator is matched to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission (I4), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.
The Equator’s strong, fully boxed frame anchors a long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed), enhancing driver and passenger comfort and stability, while its overall length of 205.5 inches (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed) provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure for a midsize pickup truck. The 2009 Equator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are still preliminary.
Other Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.
Styling and Utility
The all-new Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a number of unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. Both Equator Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an extensive tie-down system with adjustable tracks, providing ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo – including Suzuki motorcycles or ATVs. Suzuki also will offer specialized bed accessories that make loading, securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in many competitive trucks. To further satisfy the needs of active lifestyles, Suzuki will offer its customers a full range of more traditional accessories for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. Crew Cab models will offer an available roof rack.
Interior
The Suzuki Equator offers the driver and up to four passengers a functional interior that combines versatility, cargo utility, comfort and convenience. Both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles feature flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. The Equator offers additional convenience features such as a dual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage and one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors. A host of cupholders and power points are standard throughout the truck. Equator Crew Cab also will offer available leather-appointed seats, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors and a factory-installed moonroof. Additional available interior amenities include a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with six-disc in-dash CD audio system, optional satellite radio and MP3 capability and MP3 player aux-in jack.
Safety and Packages
The all-new Equator includes a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment, including zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. To make the safety story even stronger, the Equator comes equipped with supplemental front seat side-impact air bags and supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. Additionally, Extended Cab and Crew Cab models provide three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system is provided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.
Equator RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concept Vehicles
Designed to match Suzuki’s performance-oriented motocross motorcycles, the RMZ-4 concept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. This Equator-based concept, built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., features a number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender provided by Amp Research, an eye-catching graphic treatment, 18-inch black chrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights. The truck’s striking exterior is matched by an equally stunning sound system that includes an Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.
Another Carlab creation to debut in
Built to resemble the Suzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoor lifestyle, the Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-based Andry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab and military "look and feel." In addition to a custom paint job and a two-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has been modified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style front bumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards. To enhance the vehicle’s overall appearance and performance, the Quad is equipped with Yokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheels and features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
According to a report from the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Suzuki is planning to unveil a third iteration of its Kizashi mid-size sedan concept in
Via: Autoblog.com , Source: De Telegraaf
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
PRESS RELEASE Concept A-Star (concept car) The Concept A-Star shows the ideas behind Suzuki’s fifth world strategic model, which is under development. The production car will be the smallest model in the Suzuki world strategic model lineup. It will reflect an emphasis on environmental compatibility through Euro 5-compliant emissions, class-leading CO2 emissions pursuing 109g/km or less, and low fuel consumption. It will also have a superior combination of comfort and performance. With the styling of the Concept A-Star, Japanese designers at Suzuki Motor Corporation collaborated for the first time with Indian designers from the research-and-development division of Maruti Suzuki Developed to make transportation fun for every member of the family, the Splash combines ample roominess and colourful, attractive looks with a comprehensive safety package and performance that makes day-to-day urban driving a pleasure. Plus, it delivers environmental compatibility through low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 120g/km. The Concept Kizashi signals Suzuki’s intention to enter the D-segment. The production model under development will be sporty, sleek, and practical, representing a chance for Suzuki customers to take a step upward in terms of size, performance, and refinement. Suzuki has been testing the SX4 WRC car since announcing our intention to compete in the WRC at the 2006 Participation in the WRC will generate technical know-how that benefits Suzuki production cars, and it will greatly bolster Suzuki’s sporty, dynamic brand image. Other exhibits
At the 78th Geneva International Motor Show, to be held from 4–16 March 2008, Suzuki will be exhibiting a series of models that include the Concept A-Star minicar (premiered at the Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi, India), the Splash (seen it already in Frankfurt), the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2 (seen in Frankfurt and Tokyo respectively) and finally the SX4 WRC car with which Suzuki will join its first full season of the World Rally Championship this year. Guess that’s one stand we’ll bypass faster than the speed of light… -Details and pics after the jump
Visitors to the Suzuki booth will see the European debut of the Concept A-Star, which had its world premiere at.
Splash
The Splash follows the Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4 as Suzuki’s fourth world strategic model. It made its world debut at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in 
Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2 (concept cars)
The Concept Kizashi debuted at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2 first appeared at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. They will be exhibited together for the first time in 
SX4 WRC (2008 model)
Visitors to the Suzuki booth will get a close-up look at the SX4 WRC car with which Suzuki will join its first full season of the World Rally Championship this year.
The Suzuki booth will also include other exciting products that embody our “Way of Life!” message. The lineup will include our Swift, Grand Vitara, and SX4 world strategic models.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Suzuki will showcase the SXForce concept at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). If you haven’t noticed, the SXForce is based on the 2008 four-door SX4 Sport and it’s themed after the Japanese company’s motorbike line. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports, the fully drivable SXForce is equipped with a 250 Hp 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The heavily modified SX4 Sedan based concept features various accessories inspired from the world of two-wheels like the sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers and motorcycle instrument cluster and controls. Along with the concept, Suzuki will also show the rally-bred SX4 WRC and Grand Vitara Dune along with an array of pre-production performance-enhancing parts and interior and exterior accessories for the SX4 Crossover. -Details after the jump
PRESS RELEASE - SUZUKI AUTO SHINES ON THE STRIP DURING 2007 SEMA SHOW
- Suzuki debuts sportbike-inspired SXForce based on all-new 2008 SX4 Sport
- SX4 WRC and Grand Vitara Dune appeal to off-road enthusiasts
- Five-door SX4 Crossover flaunts concept- and production-based accessory line
LAS VEGAS · October 29, 2007 — American Suzuki Motor Corp. showcases four spirited and dynamic vehicles at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, including its never-before-seen, sportbike-inspired SXForce LIVE vehicle based on the all-new 2008 four-door SX4 Sport. A vehicle designed for four-wheel and two-wheel tuner enthusiasts, SXForce communicates Suzuki's "Way of Life" brand philosophy as a company that builds fun-to-operate vehicles, from its widely recognized and high-performance motorcycles to its exciting and versatile cars and SUVs.
To further demonstrate the company's bold and adventurous DNA, Suzuki displays its SX4 WRC car and rugged Grand Vitara Dune LIVE vehicle – two Suzuki machines designed for ultimate off-road performance. In addition, Suzuki offers aftermarket enthusiasts a sneak preview of a number of performance-based concept accessories — specifically developed for this year's show — and an array of style-enhancing Genuine Suzuki Accessories for its 2008 five-door SX4 Crossover.
"Suzuki always looks forward to SEMA because of its upbeat and somewhat irreverent energy," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The overall enthusiasm for cars and for life that underlies the entire event meshes perfectly with our brand philosophy and parallels the passion infused into the concepts we have on display this year and the vehicles currently in our showrooms."
SXForce
With the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport, Suzuki expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFESTYLE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, Suzuki introduces the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept based on the on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission.
The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000.
While the SXForce is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. The fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package - 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power.
The motorcycle theme continues inside the SXForce, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior, featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals are monitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger. All vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford-Fosgate audio system.
SX4 WRC
With its sports-minded heritage, coupled with a passion to excel in the world's most competitive venues, Suzuki Auto drives toward another motorsports challenge with its entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover, a prototype model of the SX4 WRC was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. Developed as a driver-friendly World Rally Car offering high controllability under a wide range of rally conditions, this creation by Suzuki Sport, Suzuki's motorsports division, has involved an extensive testing program on many different types of surfaces. As a supplement to the testing, Suzuki Sport chose two events in 2007, the Rallye de France and the Wales Rally GB, to closely represent the majority of surface types. The Rallye de France is known as one of the most challenging tarmac events, and the Wales Rally GB, held later in the year, is well regarded for similar reasons.
The SX4 WRC boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged J20 engine with full-time 4WD drivetrain and a five-speed sequential gearbox. The vehicle's 1,997 cc engine delivers 320 brake horsepower between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm, along with a maximum torque of 590 N-m (435 lb.-ft.) at 3,500 rpm.
The SX4 WRC's powertrain features a carbon three-disc clutch, electronically controlled center differential and mechanical front and rear differentials. Its well-balanced chassis and rigid structure allow the front and rear MacPherson struts with coil springs work to their full potential, and its Reiger shocks deliver dynamic, responsive handling. For tarmac, the vehicle is fitted with 20/65-18 tires fitted on 8X18-inch wheels. On gravel, 17/65-15 rubber is mounted to 7X15-inch wheels.
The SX4 WRC sits on a wheelbase of 2,500mm, stands 1,450mm high and weighs 1,230 kg (the minimum authorized). All specs reflect those of the final-phase development-test vehicle and are not necessarily indicative of the 2008 entry. As noted by Nobuhiro Tajima, vice president of Suzuki Sport, the endeavor is still in the early stages of development, including the engine, transmission and suspension.
The WRC effort builds on Suzuki's outstanding success in the JWRC, where the Swift Super 1600 has enjoyed an excellent record, creating even more excitement and anticipation in 2008.
Grand Vitara Dune
First introduced at the 2005 SEMA Show, the Grand Vitara Dune is designed for off-road enthusiasts who demand off-road capabilities. Well-equipped with 11.5 inches of minimum ground clearance and a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs., the Dune provides enough muscle to add a huge dose of exhilaration to any weekend. This Grand Vitara concept also features off-road skid plates, fender flares, wear-reducing cladding and running boards, all dressed in lightning yellow paint to match the color scheme of Suzuki ATVs. Roomy on the inside, the five-passenger Dune features a rear off-road gear storage and "mobile garage" work station, ideal for last-minute adjustments. The Dune also is equipped with a built-in GPS and navigation system.
SX4 Crossover Accessories
To complement Suzuki's versatile, stylish product line, the company offers an array of Genuine Suzuki Accessories - a line of style-enhancing trim packages and accessories designed to personalize Suzuki cars and SUVs sold in the United States. Suzuki showcases a number of pre-production performance-enhancing parts and interior and exterior accessories for the sporty SX4 Crossover.
Concept Accessories:
- Cat back Exhaust – Features stainless steel design, improves horsepower and offers deep performance tone that remains 50 state "sound level legal."
- Cold Air Intake – Intake system improves horsepower and offers performance pitch.
- Sport Suspension – Lowers ride height (approx. 1.5 inches) for a firmer ride.
- Alloy Wheels – Custom-designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, available in a chrome finish or machined surface with black paint. Includes chrome lug nuts and Suzuki center cap.
Genuine Suzuki Accessories:
- Rear Spoiler – Rally-inspired rear deck spoiler is molded in sturdy, lightweight polyurethane and is available color-matched to the SX4 Crossover.
- Hood Mask – Custom-fit hood mask made of durable vinyl and soft fleece backing helps protect the front of the SX4 Crossover from damage caused by minor road debris.
- Silver Finish Front Grille – Front grille replaces original black version and matches the lower bumper trim on the SX4 Crossover.
- Carbon Fiber Dash Trim (Red) – Dash trim accents made of real carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and screened SX4 logo are available in three different colors to coordinate or contrast with the interior of the SX4 Crossover. Trim fits both automatic and manual transmission models.
- Carbon Fiber Door Sill Trim (Red) – Door sill accents made of real carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and screened SX4 logo are available in three different carbon-fiber weave colors or a brushed aluminum finish to coordinate or contrast with the interior of the SX4 Crossover.
- Billet Sport Pedals – Sport pedal set, including dead pedal, is made of lightweight aluminum and non-slip rubber inserts, offering a highly polished look with engraved Suzuki logo.
- Billet Battery Tie Down & Billet Oil Cap (Sold as a package) – Highly polished aluminum battery tie down and oil filler cap with engraved Suzuki logo to dress up your engine bay.
- Blueconnect®, Bluetooth Phone System – Speaker- and microphone-integrated communication system that offers wireless interaction with any bluetooth-compatible cell phone, allowing dialing and hands-free communication with the touch of a button. Installation required (for non-sunroof models only).
- Rear Bumper Protector – Adhesive-backed applique to help protect from minor nicks and scratches.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept The stirring impression the top athlete having and, it adopted the expectation which becomes unknown overflows from inside as design expression the crossover sport wagon. You propose to the user of the wide layer where with the wide field such as the leisure from business, life is enjoyed actively. As for design two keywords, “dignity” and the “stirring impression” adopting the emotional silhouette which raises the satisfaction which uplift impression is owned to running for the axis. As for the 3.6LV type 6 cylinder engine of the sea bass maximum aerodynamic volume displacement not only strong acceleration feeling with the combination with 6 speeds AT, and at high speed regarding cruising, actualizing the running which exceeds class. In addition, you are inserting also the hybrid engine and the like which considers in environment in range of vision.
Apart from the weird looking X-Head, Suzuki will also introduce a follow up to the striking Kizashi Concept Sedan (click here) previewed at the Frankfurt Show in September at next month’s Tokyo Show. The Kizashi 2 is basically a crossover version of the original concept that takes advantage of AWD system. Differences include the higher ground-clearance and the body cladding which to be frank, doesn’t do justice to the Kizashi. Moreover, instead of using the frugal 2.0-liter diesel engine like the original concept, Suzuki equipped the crossover with a 3.6-liter V6-engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. -Image gallery and press release after the jump
We’re quite fine thank you, meaning we haven’t mixed our socks with our underwear -yet... The Tokyo Show isn’t only about cars; it also hosts motorcycle and commercial vehicle premiers. Suzuki on its behalf will show off two motorcycle concepts, the Crosscage and the Biplane. We found a Japanese teaser press release on both concepts but it didn’t make much sense so we can only tell you that the Crosscage uses fuel-cells while the Biplane, which incorporates a V4 engine, draws its inspiration from airplanes. -Continued after the jump
Translated Press Release
It is the fuel cell car which can do optimum power control by combining the air cooled fuel cell system and the advanced accumulator of simple small size light weight. Starting which fuel economy efficiency is fast low, the intelligent energy corporation of feature (
The request that was included, you feel the enjoyment of the motorcycle in many people, would like to have having interest in the motorcycle " “the design proposition model which designates the joy of running by the motorcycle” as shape” is. You propose in order to have representing the common feeling which is felt from the vehicle where “, it designates the kind of image which is riding the airplane” as keyword, calls the motorcycle and the airplane and is different completely. Although it is the machine, the bosom which makes tenderness feel it forced and “the biplane” (bi- the plainness) designated modelling as design motif, it expressed the open impression of not being covered in the canopy. The engine has designed V type 4-cylinder engine in vertical ranging.
The X-Head is one of Suzuki’s many offerings at the forthcoming 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in late October. According to the Japanese carmaker, X-Head is a new type of lifestyle utility vehicle that incorporates the DNA of the Jimny and Grand Vitara. Huh? Looks more like a Jap version of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog if you ask us, but whatev; it’s not as if you’ll ever see one of these going to production. -Translated press release after the jump
Translated Press Release
“X-HEAD” is " the cross utility vehicle " of the new genre which brings the various values which until recently are not. It has high running the whole distance characteristic, the “gym knee”, “the escudo”, it has high loading characteristic, DNA “of [kiyarii]” was succeeded, functional hopefulness was had. The naming, “X-HEAD” adjusting to the life style and sense of value of the person who rides, has meant the possibility this car which corresponds to various uses becoming unknown. Being possible to combine the carrier unit which is adjusted to life style 2 adults sleeps and can stay " the camper " and in the town coolly to ride it handles, " fashion " and so on, the person who rides " you play and stimulate heart and curiosity ". In addition, supposed the rescue rescue in various road circumstances " rescue " and so on, it is possible to answer also social mission, being tough, you propose the pleasant car.
Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Suzuki
