American Suzuki On The Move.

More Concepts and Sales Than Ever Before, Suzuki is on The Move.

Editor: Eric Bewley Photo: ASMC

BREA, CA - American Suzuki has been very busy the past year bringing new product to market and also new concept vehicles into the arena of ideas. From the beefy "Dune" concept Grand Vitara to a sporty Xbox inspired "SXbox" SX4, Suzuki has been pumping out some great new concepts.

2006 was a strong year for American Suzuki. They achieved more sales than ever before in their history as well as cranked out more interesting custom concepts then the last few years combined. Let's look at some of the innovative vehicles that Suzuki have produced this year.

BaseCamp

Built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., and based on the 2007 XL7, the BaseCamp concept offers cutting-edge design and technology to fulfill the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.  The BaseCamp’s exterior is blanketed with liquid metal body paint and finished with titanium cladding around the perimeter of the vehicle, which also is easily converted to a catwalk for unprecedented upper vehicle access and storage.   

The concept features a unique gullwing passenger side door that when opened, reveals a warm, inviting, modern interior room and attachable peninsula bar work station with full media connectivity, including Wi-Fi Internet access, Bluetooth integration and iPod®¹/MP3 capabilities.  The BaseCamp also features a custom roof rack system with an integrated dual slot bike rack and Santa Cruz mountain bikes, eight high-intensity LED light clusters, including a unique “down” lighting system, an enclosed cargo/luggage area and forward-mounted miniature camera.  After arriving at a campsite, a modern canopy with carbon fiber frame can be attached to the roof rack, keeping adventurers dry in inclement weather or protecting against the sun, and creating a welcoming ambiance for visitors. 

SXBox

Built by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts.  The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors. 

The SXBox also is equipped with an impressive, high-performance wheel and tire package, providing gamers with the means to get to the nearest gaming competition.  When parked, the SXBox’s pearl white exterior is illuminated courtesy of a green LED accent kit

 

Zuk

Inspired by Suzuki’s world-renowned, championship-winning sportbikes, and derived from the new SX4 sport X-over, the Zuk concept offers solid functionality both on the road and the track.  Built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the sporty Zuk is powered by a 300-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine with alcohol injection system, matched to a five-speed manual transmission. 

Designed for ultimate street performance, the stunning SX4 concept features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics.  The Zuk features Suzuki Hayabusa and GSX-R-inspired bodywork, ground effects, mirrors, spoiler and exhaust, all wrapped in blue metallic paint and carbon fiber.  Framing accent lights highlight the Zuk’s motorcycle-themed structure and cage, while strategically placed openings reveal the vehicle’s powertrain, wheels, tires and chassis details.  The fully drivable and track-tested Zuk is equipped with a fully tuned performance suspension system, 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. 

Blizzard

The “Blizzard” Grand Vitara is designed to fulfill the needs of people with active lifestyles focused on snow sports.  With a 2.7-liter turbocharged Suzuki engine, full-time four-mode four-wheel drive system and wide grip studded snow tires, the “Blizzard” is equipped to handle just about any road condition.  The Grand Vitara concept offers a dockable iPod station, an in-car video and gaming system and in-car Internet access, allowing passengers to check snow conditions on the way to the mountain.  In the rear, the vehicle offers chairlift-style seating for gearing up for the slopes and removing and drying gear afterwards.  The “Blizzard” is equipped with built-in glove and boot warmers and ventilated wet gear storage in the rear cargo area.  The “Blizzard” also features a custom roof rack system with enclosed, backlit snowboard pods and a television camera to let the driver keep an eye on his/her snow equipment. 

Perhaps the most impressive part about the Bilzzard concept is the engine specifications: Engine Type: 2.7-liter, six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC, twin turbo stainless steel headers, large front mount intercooler Materials: Aluminum cylinder block/aluminum cylinder heads Displacement: 2.7 liters (2,736cc/167 cu. in.) Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 75.0/3.46-in. x 2.95-in. Compression ratio: 7.1:1 Horsepower: 357 @ 6,000 RPM Torque: 344 @ 4,500 RPM Valves per cylinder: Two Fuel system: Electronic multi-port fuel injection, variable induction system (VIS) with in-tank fuel pump Exhaust: Stainless steel, dual exhaust

Dune

The “Dune” Grand Vitara is designed for off-road enthusiasts who demand off-road capabilities.  Well-equipped with 26 inches of 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.  The exterior features flared fenders and integrated cladding and running boards, all dressed in lightening 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 offers a built-in GPS and navigation system.  

Splash 

The Splash is a Euro based concept based on the same platform as the Swift supermini, and should also create waves with a different body as the next-generation Vauxhall Agila.

With a Swift-style front end and a neat profile, the Splash is a funky city car and its tall cabin certainly promises plenty of room inside.

The distinctive grille and bulging wheel arches help set it apart from rivals such as the Fiat Idea and Renault Modus. The road going version is expected to hit showrooms in 2007, and the supermini-MPV will only be offered as a five-door. With a new 1.2-litre petrol engine under its bonnet, buyers can expect peppy performance, while prices will start at around £9,000. Suzuki describes the Splash as a car for everybody, claiming fine handling and long-distance cruising comfort as standard.

Wave

The “Wave” Grand Vitara offers innovative design and technology to watersports enthusiasts.  The unique frame design of the “Wave” resembles a convertible SUV with all the capabilities of the all-new Grand Vitara and more.  With a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs., the Grand Vitara concept is designed to pull a boat or jet skis for lake-bound enthusiasts.  In addition, the “Wave” offers an in-dash GPS and navigation system to help adventurers find their way to the latest sporting event or watercraft launching spot.  The “Wave” also is equipped with built-in monitors in the rear headrests for ultimate passenger enjoyment.  Other features include, nautical-themed railing doors, a tailgate-friendly removable, wheeled barbeque and food cooler and rear-facing television camera to help hook up a boat trailer. 

WRC SX4

Concept, recently introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show, is another all-new and revolutionary concept from Suzuki. The WRC racing version of the SX4 is currently being developed and is scheduled to be entered in WRC competition beginning in August 2007.

The Suzuki SX4 WRC Concept is an important marketing and sales tool for Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). As a major and growing  manufacturer of vehicles that are versatile and fun to drive, the Suzuki SX4 WRC project will increase Suzuki’s brand identity and provide technical feedback to assist in refining future models as a part of Suzuki’s global product development program. Created from the production model of the Suzuki SX4, the WRC racing version will be further developed and tested to increase its competitive potential. Technical details of the new Suzuki SX4 WRC will be announced prior to its first competitive appearance. Currently, development of its power unit and powertrain are well advanced, and the prototype car is equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder, J20 engine. The engine currently delivers 320 bhp at 4,500 rpm. The new all-wheel-drive system developed for the SX4 WRC Concept includes front and rear mechanical differentials and an electronic differential located in the center. Power is transmitted via a five-speed sequential gearbox.

For us, the Grand Vitara "Dune" concept and the WRC SX4 create the most excitement. For these vehicles capture the adventuresome spirit and winning character of Suzuki enthusiasts. Looking towards the future, we all have our fingers crossed for the release of the upcoming and as of yet unnamed Suzuki Pickup for the North American market. Will this be a new platform for overland adventure enthusiasts and weekend warriors while suiting the every day utilitarian needs of 'Joe Six-Pack'? We anxiously await the answer...

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