ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Jayzuki on January 30, 2006, 10:02:29 PM

Title: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Jayzuki on January 30, 2006, 10:02:29 PM
Suzuki should make a tough looking off-road SUV thats good looking and capable ETC right out of the factory like Jeep does with the Rubicon. Its should have sweet sounding exhaust and a winch with off-road bumpers and fully skidplated stock. Look at what Honda has done with the new Civic, excellent exhaust system, looks great, etc and is priced right. If they backed it up with the warranty their using with the new GV it would have killer value. Better yet if they flogged it with safety features and things like the GV has then it would really be appealing. I say they should produce another 16V 4-CYL that is not only built proof, but is fuel efficient. Suzuki could eaisly do this but insted they are making their new SUV'S with the rear gate [ door ] with the hinge's on the wrong side and without a low range T-CASE for all but the top model. I believe Suzuki  could really do well in the off-road market. We know the buyers are out there because of the %surveys. Toyota has the new FJ or whatever, but the problem is with the price. Suzuki could eaisly snatch up alot of their sales with a 4x4 SUV thats built right. They've been making 4x4 off-road SUV units for how long?
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: wildgoody on January 30, 2006, 10:20:24 PM
You are preaching to the converted   ;)

We wish Suzuki would at least offer a
package that mirrors it's roots in 4x4 history
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: stock93tracker on January 31, 2006, 09:06:13 AM
The GV Dune looks like it could be an awesome rig from the factory.  Its a nice start but, I think Suzuki needs to make another vehicle like the Samurai, strictly for off road use :)

Doubt that will happen though..
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: the_maplebar on January 31, 2006, 09:23:34 AM
If your interested, sign the petition

http://www.petitiononline.com/SuziTech/petition.html

....for all the good it will do ;)
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: takai on January 31, 2006, 03:07:49 PM
Welcome to the wonderful world of market shares. Unfortunately, we still seem to be in the minority. Grocery Getting SUV's don't need all of those neat items. Unless the speed bumps have changed since my last visit.  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: nc_zuk on January 31, 2006, 04:30:21 PM
I just want this to be built and sold

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune2.JPG)

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune3.JPG)

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune4.JPG)
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Shredder on January 31, 2006, 07:27:10 PM
Companies always do stupid moves it seams. Take GM with the Astro/Safari van for instance. IMO one of the more practical vehicles ever made. I have had a few over the last 15 years. Just the right size for most van needs, fairly decent on fuel for the size, great off-road with a lift and 31s, reliable drivetrain (4.3 V6/4L80 tranny/7.25"F & 7.625"R R&P), optional AWD (easily converted to true 4x4), etc. GM was the only company with a mid-size van. So what did they do? They replaced it with some weird little Caravan sized thing. They already had one of those.  ??? Go figure.

I was trying to talk GM into a ZR2 version of the Astro/Safari with a 4" suspension lift, off-road style bumpers, larger wheel arches, skid plates and 16" rims with 31" AT tires. Wasn't soccer-mom enough for them. So instead they sell oversize SUVs that cost too much, are hard to carry stuff in, clumsey, etc. Oh well.

It is sad to see GM drop the Tracker too. At least Suzuki still makes the Jimny and is toying with cool concepts like the Dune GV. I sure would like to see a come back of a Tracker/Sidekick mini SUV. I mean what was wrong with them anyway? 30 MPG, practical, real 4wd. Come on Suzuki, GM, Cami or whoever. Bring them back.  And a "Rubicon" version would be awesome. If they let us all have a hand in designing it I don't think people would see them as such "cute little cars" though.
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Dihnekis on January 31, 2006, 08:43:58 PM
What is this toyota FJ you speak of?
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Jayzuki on January 31, 2006, 10:25:23 PM
This is the Toyota FJ Cruiser 2006
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Dihnekis on January 31, 2006, 11:10:59 PM
Ick, is it solid front axle at least?
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Ronzuki on February 02, 2006, 08:30:55 AM
Ick, is it solid front axle at least?

No, but it does have an elec rear locker.
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on February 02, 2006, 11:55:26 AM
I just want this to be built and sold

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune2.JPG[/url])



You and me both. If they ever built this in a 2dr soft top I will be standing at the dealer with a check in hand to buy it as it rolls of the truck....Pipe dream....This is the part where I wake up and cry. :'(

Mike
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: mrfuelish on February 02, 2006, 01:19:28 PM
Ah you just want it for the thorn turd knock off's.  ;D
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Uncivilized on February 02, 2006, 03:26:49 PM
If your interested, sign the petition

[url]http://www.petitiononline.com/SuziTech/petition.html[/url]

....for all the good it will do ;)


Don't you think this is kind of silly? Your(the author) asking Suzuki to fully build an off road vehicle for a small amount of people. And if your buying your rig fully built, where's the aftermarket? I enjoy wrenching and building a vehicle for me, I would prefer just a stock samurai based vehicle, size adjusted to meet new regulations, and remodeled to fit 2006+. I'll SPOA it and put on the 31's, not someone else. Half the fun is building it and being proud of what you've made.
Just my $.02 Canadian.
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: wildgoody on February 02, 2006, 07:14:51 PM
There is always room for improvement,
look at how far the SideKick has been
tweeked and peaked, and think about
what Mike could do with even a better
base vehicle, heck, he'd have 40s on it 
;D

Wild
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Jayzuki on February 02, 2006, 08:42:02 PM
If your interested, sign the petition

[url]http://www.petitiononline.com/SuziTech/petition.html[/url]

....for all the good it will do ;)


Don't you think this is kind of silly? Your(the author) asking Suzuki to fully build an off road vehicle for a small amount of people. And if your buying your rig fully built, where's the aftermarket? I enjoy wrenching and building a vehicle for me, I would prefer just a stock samurai based vehicle, size adjusted to meet new regulations, and remodeled to fit 2006+. I'll SPOA it and put on the 31's, not someone else. Half the fun is building it and being proud of what you've made.
Just my $.02 Canadian.



I guess all I was really getting at was Suzuki doesnt really do anything to promote thier off-road reputation. Even if they had a version of the new Grand Vitara that had a factory 2-inch lift [or something ] off-road style bumpers and skid plates it would show much more enthusiasm towards their SUV vehicles. The new GV has a feature that enables you to drive it without putting a key in the ignition, a really cool feature. Another example of a cool feature they could ADD to their off-road version Vitara would be off-road gearing, lights and colors. The vehicle would still have plenty of aftermarket accessories for companys to make and for you too purchase them. In the meen time you could be driving your 2006 Off-road version Suzuki Vitara with Americas best warranty, safty rating and with the good looks of your sweet 06 vehicle with a killer paint scheme. Capable out of the Factory for off-road use, theres no messing around with gearing and electrical because you already have good lighting and things. You might want to through on a nice exhaust, but Zuki could already have something equiped that sounds awsome. You should do some research, 1 in 10 Americans participate in off-road recreation. So if you call selling 30 000 plus units "silly " then thats fine with me. I say Suzuki should get with the picture. Maby theyre scared because they dont want to ruin their precious warranty thing, whos knows. You can still do anything you want with the Vehicle. You can build it anyway you want it, but with the factory off-road version of the Vitara at least you have something good to start with. I am saying this considering that they will keep there excellent value [ purchase price ] in with the package.

Thanks

Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: hobgoblin on February 02, 2006, 10:32:10 PM
I just want this to be built and sold

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune2.JPG[/url])

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune3.JPG[/url])

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10056/dune4.JPG[/url])

What is this ??It's bad!!! Not much for the color...Later Tom K.
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Jayzuki on February 03, 2006, 12:04:13 AM
Its appears to be a really nice version of a OFF-ROAD Grand Vitara. I just think its a little to extreme for most people. Very nice SUV though. That is alot more than what I would ask for but imagine Suzuki manufactured that thing!
Title: Re: The Suzuki Rubicon
Post by: Shredder on February 03, 2006, 06:27:20 AM
That is alot more than what I would ask for but imagine Suzuki manufactured that thing!

At least it shows Suzuki is looking at building something more desireable to those of us who like a vehicle that can make the great escape and is fun off the pavement. If something like that was entered into the "Truck of the year" it might have a fighting chance to place high. I was reading one from a few years ago and Chevy sent over a Tracker LWB with running boards for the test. It was a belly dragging failure. If they had at least sent a ZR2 version it would have earned alot more respect. Or sent over one of our set-up TracKicks and it would have won.  ;)