ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: cj on October 06, 2004, 06:02:19 PM

Title: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: cj on October 06, 2004, 06:02:19 PM
 "Speaking of the Grand Vitara, its replacement will eschew today’s separate chassis construction for a monocoque platform that Suzuki says will be unique among the SUV throng."   ??? >:(

Wonder what Suzuki means by unique?


http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/8CD8774450D097D6CA256F2500093705
Title: Re: GV replacement goes moncoque
Post by: wildgoody on October 06, 2004, 06:08:30 PM
 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Another era gone
Title: Re: GV replacement goes moncoque
Post by: cj on October 06, 2004, 06:14:06 PM
Kind of makes it hard to do a bodylift. Just wonder what else Suzuki will do and whether the GV will be even less suitable for offroad work. :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 07, 2004, 12:10:22 AM
I saw it coming from a mile away, but you'd think that with the popularity of the Sammy and the rising popularity of the Tracker that Suzuki would do something to actually continue the line of True, BOF, manual 4x4, micro4x4's. :-/
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 07, 2004, 01:13:10 PM
In todays world everyone seems to want the biggest vehicle they can get. Like they have something to prove to somebody. Manufacturers have to go with what sells.... :-/ And unfourtunately that means we dont' get any new kicks or sammis.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: keith on October 07, 2004, 01:30:37 PM
Here is a possible spy shot of it.

http://allcarscentral.philip-price.net/index.php?showtopic=131
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 07, 2004, 01:50:23 PM
The front of it looks like the Aztek, while the rest looks like a fucking minivan. Boo, suzuki. Boo. :(
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 07, 2004, 02:07:50 PM
I want to get the newest old style tracker or kick i can with decent miles. I just want no rust. Rust is not my friend.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 07, 2004, 02:59:19 PM
Quote
I want to get the newest old style tracker or kick i can with decent miles. I just want no rust. Rust is not my friend.

Rust: Nature's weight-reduction kit ;)
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: steveofrost on October 07, 2004, 03:34:37 PM
Quote
Posted by: explosivo Posted on: Today at 06:10:22
I saw it coming from a mile away, but you'd think that with the popularity of the Sammy and the rising popularity of the Tracker that Suzuki would do something to actually continue the line of True, BOF, manual 4x4, micro4x4's.  

Quote
Posted by: Speedracer7c Posted on: Today at 19:13:10
In todays world everyone seems to want the biggest vehicle they can get. Like they have something to prove to somebody. Manufacturers have to go with what sells....  And unfourtunately that means we dont' get any new kicks or sammis.  


Gas prices are still retardedly steep, so I don't see why they don't push smaller vehicles into the market. Ah, yes, now I remember... its all about money! <- ->

40, 000 for a new vehicle. I would have to be stupid to buy the kind of crap they're manufacturing now.

steveo
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: jookycola on October 10, 2004, 09:59:59 AM
the easiest way to answer if this is in fact new vitara or not, is that is Yutaka Suzuki head of the Automobile divison in the passenger seat.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 10, 2004, 04:58:15 PM
Quote
the easiest way to answer if this is in fact new vitara or not, is that is Yutaka Suzuki head of the Automobile divison in the passenger seat.

You really need to kick someone in the nuts over this shit >:(
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 10, 2004, 04:59:26 PM
Quote



Gas prices are still retardedly steep, so I don't see why they don't push smaller vehicles into the market. Ah, yes, now I remember... its all about money! <- ->

40, 000 for a new vehicle. I would have to be stupid to buy the kind of crap they're manufacturing now.

steveo

Again, it really is all about what people will buy, and the general public (soccer moms and yuppie shitheads) will buy $40k POS's. It's quite sad really. :(
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Zukipilot on October 10, 2004, 10:08:51 PM
Quote
Here is a possible spy shot of it.

[url]http://allcarscentral.philip-price.net/index.php?showtopic=131[/url]


Cool, I like the pre-wrinkled sheet metal :P ;D
Zig
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: GRVIT on October 10, 2004, 11:04:42 PM
I dont think that its the new Grand Vitara.If it is.......bad news.Cause if you look carefully ,in the last photo,the rear suspension is IFS.Which means that the car in the photo is a 100% SUV.Maybe its a new SUV model,targeting the SUV market.It looks as if its a new model  Suzuki Ignis but Wagon type.

Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Bigzook on October 11, 2004, 02:09:54 AM
Gm needs to stop trying to influence suzuki and build there own cars.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 11, 2004, 03:50:27 AM
It looks a lot like a RAV4...
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: hcgalvin on October 11, 2004, 04:13:19 AM
To me it looks a lot like a new Sportage. I think Kia is bringing those back, so now they can have the Sportage and the Sorrento.

Heather
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 11, 2004, 04:28:37 AM
And another thing...  I don't see any problem with bringing out a uni-body, what so ever.  Like I've said before, Suzuki is trying to broaden it's market share so that they can please that segment of consumers who are looking for value in a quality made car, truck or now evidently, a uni body SUV.

This still doesn't mean that there won't be another full BOF 4x4.

And maybe we here in North America might still get lucky and FINALLY get the Jimny...

It is also well documented that the USA is the only country in the world with an ever increasing appetite for larger vehicles while the rest of the world is the exact opposite.  So Suzuki has no choice as a company but to try and appeal to that market in order to stay afloat.  I know it sucks for the rest of us...who love our Suzuki 4x4s... but I still wouldn't rule a new one out...the only thing that scares me is that if there is a new one, it might not come out in North America...
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: jagular7 on October 11, 2004, 04:32:58 AM
Quote
To me it looks a lot like a new Sportage. I think Kia is bringing those back, so now they can have the Sportage and the Sorrento.

Heather

I'd be surprised to see that. The Sorento replaced the smaller Sportage to get into the small-mid size SUV market.
To add, I just saw a commercial where a Sorento was trailriding down a trail and jumped!!! Now Kia is driving their SUVs on commercials like Toyota does.

For me, I would like to see a HD capable 4wd vehicle (conv't/hardtop) in the 2500# range, carrying 4 people, full floating axles, coiled suspension, axle travel of ~5" (tire 8-10"), ~60" wide, diesel option (turbo) along with gas, skid plates, etc. Bring the Jimny to North America and see how abundant the Suzuki sales will rise.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 11, 2004, 04:33:56 AM
Quote
To me it looks a lot like a new Sportage. I think Kia is bringing those back, so now they can have the Sportage and the Sorrento.

Heather


Good call, didn't the Sportage stop production with the release of the Sorrento?
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 11, 2004, 04:38:31 AM
Quote


Good call, didn't the Sportage stop production with the release of the Sorrento?



Ok never mind, that question...

It bothers me to no end that if the Jimny was released in North America WITH a clever ad campaign, it would no doubt be Suzukis best selling vehicle ever....
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: GRVIT on October 11, 2004, 04:51:52 AM
Quote

And maybe we here in North America might still get lucky and FINALLY get the Jimny...


Are you sure about this ????
Its a good 4x4.Here 1 in 7 cars is a Jimny. :)
But .....its too narrow and small.I mean ,before getting the Sidekick,me and a friend of mine went to a Suzuki Dealer in order to help me choose.I wanted a Sammy but it seemed  small for me.So ,I thought I should also check the Jimny even if it was small too (Solid axles all around... and new model :)) .
I drove it for a while and after I parked it and got out I asked my friend how did I  look .....
His answer was .."man...you look as if you were driving a one seated car....,you have to get a bigger one...." ;D  Considering that I m  6' 3" tall and 110 KG weight (243 pounds),what do think ......
I ve seen some lifted Jimny s' here ,but I wouldnt get in there..... too tall and too narrow.... :o
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: jagular7 on October 11, 2004, 06:01:38 AM
Quote


Are you sure about this ????
Its a good 4x4.Here 1 in 7 cars is a Jimny. :)
But .....its too narrow and small.I mean ,before getting the Sidekick,me and a friend of mine went to a Suzuki Dealer in order to help me choose.I wanted a Sammy but it seemed  small for me.So ,I thought I should also check the Jimny even if it was small too (Solid axles all around... and new model :)) .
I drove it for a while and after I parked it and got out I asked my friend how did I  look .....
His answer was .."man...you look as if you were driving a one seated car....,you have to get a bigger one...." ;D  Considering that I m  6' 3" tall and 110 KG weight (243 pounds),what do think ......
I ve seen some lifted Jimny s' here ,but I wouldnt get in there..... too tall and too narrow.... :o


Being that, you'd purchase a vehicle based on how you look inside it?  LOL.
Seriously, I'm the same way with my XL7, I'm 5'8", ~180#'s. My shoulder is the door pillar. The front doors could be a little overall longer.
As for a small vehicle, that is the way the market shall be going real soon. Gas prices as well as insurance dictate much of that as well as vehicle price due to cost. For me a vehicle where I'm rubbing shoulders with my passenger is a bit small. The -7's width is just fine.
I think the LJ series vehicle could come back in a retro design. That would be cool.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: hcgalvin on October 11, 2004, 08:29:00 AM
Quote

I'd be surprised to see that. The Sorento replaced the smaller Sportage to get into the small-mid size SUV market.
To add, I just saw a commercial where a Sorento was trailriding down a trail and jumped!!! Now Kia is driving their SUVs on commercials like Toyota does.

For me, I would like to see a HD capable 4wd vehicle (conv't/hardtop) in the 2500# range, carrying 4 people, full floating axles, coiled suspension, axle travel of ~5" (tire 8-10"), ~60" wide, diesel option (turbo) along with gas, skid plates, etc. Bring the Jimny to North America and see how abundant the Suzuki sales will rise.


Here's your surprise.

http://trucks.about.com/od/2005suvspecifications/a/sportage_intro.htm

http://sportage.kia.com/

(http://trucks.about.com/library/graphics/05_kia_sportage_ft_intro.jpg)

(http://trucks.about.com/library/graphics/05_sportage2_ftside.jpg)

Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 11, 2004, 09:55:20 AM
Sure looks like the spy pics...
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: mperry on October 11, 2004, 10:00:20 AM
Quote

This still doesn't mean that there won't be another full BOF 4x4.


You may be right. It says the new rig won't replace the ladder frame models.

Agreed about GM sticking to their own projects. Going to GM for auto advice is like asking Custer about making friends. <g>

That "People Mover" of theirs is one odd looking van.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: hcgalvin on October 11, 2004, 10:07:25 AM
I think that for a while, anyways, Suzuki will keep around a BOF vehicle.

Sure, they'll bring out the Unibodys to compete with the american "crossover craze" (YUK).

But I think they'll still keep something around. They know that a big portion of their BOF vehicle sales are people like us.

Heather
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Samurai_Hamster on October 13, 2004, 12:13:16 PM
Irregardless of what KIA brings back, you could not pay me enough to drive one.  

Except off a cliff.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 13, 2004, 12:17:05 PM
Quote
Irregardless of what KIA brings back, you could not pay me enough to drive one.  

Except off a cliff.


LOL!! You got that right...I have heard nothing but lousy things about KIAs...

Maybe they have gotten better in the last few years...but I'm SUZUKI guy.  ;D(http://www.zukiworld.com/public_html/YaBBImages/thumbup.gif)
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: 95xl7 on October 13, 2004, 12:23:46 PM
Hyundai is also coming out with a new SUV smaller and cheaper than the SanteFe.
(http://www.hyundaiusa.com/Site/Home_Page/asset_upload_file744_3932.jpg)

     
   Tucson GL Standard Key Features  
 

 2.0-Liter, 16-Valve DHOC 4-Cylinder Engine w/CVVT
 5-speed Manual Transmission  
 Front Wheel Drive
 Air Conditioning & Privacy Glass
 Dual Front & Seat-mounted Side-impact Air Bags
 Dual Roof-mounted Side Curtain Air Bags  
 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction
 Control System & Electronic Stability Program
 16" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
 AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers
 Power Windows, Door Locks & Heated Mirrors
 Remote Keyless Entry System with Alarm
 Cruise Control
 Roof Rack Side Rails
 Rear Intermittent Wiper w/Washer
 Adjustable Height Center Arm Rest with Storage
 Rear Cargo Tray and Cargo Cover
 Combination Utility Floor Mats
 
  Tucson GLS Standard Key Features over Base Model  
 

 2.7-Liter, 24-Valve DOHC V6 Engine
 4-Speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC™
 AM/FM/CD/Cassette/MP3 Audio System with 6 Speakers  
 Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
 Metal Grain Interior Trim
 Dark Gray Bodyside Cladding, Body Color Door Handles and Mirrors
 Fog Lights
 Windshield Wiper De-icer
 Cargo Net
 
  Tucson LX Standard Key Features in Addition to GLS  
 

 Leather Seating Surfaces with Heated Front Seats
 AM/FM/Cassette/In-dash 6-disc CD Changer Audio System w/6 speakers and
 Subwoofer




Say what you want about Kia's at least there 3.5 v-6 puts out more HP than Suzuki's V-6's.
(http://www.kia.com/images/sorento/2003-8.jpg)  
   

2004 KIA SORENTO FEATURES

LX EX MECHANICAL
 Speed sensitive power steering with tilt
 Torque-On-Demand® full-time 4WD (Luxury Package)
 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 engine
 5-speed manual transmission
 Fully boxed ladder frame
 Power steering w/tilt
 Limited slip rear differential (4x4 only)
 Free running differential (4x4 only)
 2-speed transfer case (4x4 only)
 Shift-on-the-fly 4WD (4x4 only)  

LX EX EXTERIOR
 16" tires w/full-size spare tire
 Styled steel wheels
 Side step bars (LX Sport Package)
 Roof rack (LX Sport Package)
 Alloy wheels w/full-size alloy spare
 Two-tone body side cladding/bumpers  
 Multi-reflector auto-off head lamps
 Available rear spoiler
 Chrome accent door handles and rear garnish (Luxury Package)
 16" Michelin tires w/full-size alloy spare tire (LX Sport Package)
 Fog lamps (LX Sport Package)
 Trailer hitch wiring sub-harness connector
 Multi-reflector auto-off head lamps
 Rear liftgate w/flip-up glass
 Privacy glass


LX EX INTERIOR
 8-way adjustable driver's seat w/adjustable lumbar
 Delphi premium AM/FM/Cassette/CD stereo w/ 10 speakers
 Moquette velour cloth seat/door trim
 Leather-wrapped steering wheel
 Rear quarter panel storage bin
 Steering wheel stereo controls
 Stainless steel scuff plates
 Power sunroof w/tilt
 Wood grain accents
 Cargo net
 Floor mats
 Delphi premium AM/FM/6 disc-in-dash CD w/ 10 speakers & separate amplifier (Luxury Package)
 Leather-wrapped/wood grain steering wheel (Luxury Package)
 Leather seats (Luxury Package)
 Leather-wrapped steering wheel (LX Sport Package)
 Floor mounted cargo tie-down/cargo net hooks
 Under rear cargo floor storage compartments
 Power windows/heated mirrors/door locks
 Lockable, dual compartment glove box
 60/40 split flat folding rear seats
 AM/FM/CD w/8-speakers
 Four 12-volt power points
 Map/dome/courtesy/cargo lights
 Under seat storage bin
 Rear cargo cover
 Air conditioning


LX EX CONVENIENCE
 Keyless remote (LX Sport Package)
 Remote keyless entry w/panic alarm and rear glass remote
 Multi-meter (outside temp, compass, altimeter, barometer)
 HomeLink® programmable garage door opener
 Automatic day/night rearview mirror
 Tilt-adjustable headrests
 Automatic climate control (Luxury Package)
 Heated front seats (Luxury Package)
 Auto headlamps (Luxury Package)
 Dual covered and illuminated vanity mirrors
 Center console w/armrest and dual storage
 Cruise control w/steering wheel controls
 Sunglass storage
 Digital clock


LX EX SAFETY
 Variable intermittent front wipers
 Fixed upper/lower anchors for child safety seats (LATCH)
 Front seat belt pretensioner w/force limiter
 Energy absorbing steering column
 Front and rear side-curtain airbags
 Rear child safety door locks
 Rear window wiper/washer
 Low-fuel warning indicator
 Front windshield de-icer
 Available 4-wheel ABS
 Side-impact protection
 Rear window defogger
 Dual front airbags
 Battery saver







 



*MSRP includes destination, and excludes taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Vehicles shown with optional equipment. Actual prices set by dealer. Kia reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice, and without incurring any obligations as to colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages and models.





   




Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 13, 2004, 12:29:15 PM
Quote
Say what you want about Kia's at least there 3.5 v-6 puts out more HP than Suzuki's V-6's.


Power means nothing when that Korean engine falls apart after 6 months.  ;D
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: 95xl7 on October 13, 2004, 12:30:43 PM
Quote


Power means nothing when that Korean engine falls apart after 6 months.  ;D

10 years / 100,000 mile warranty????
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: mperry on October 13, 2004, 12:51:26 PM
Quote

10 years / 100,000 mile warranty????


Yep and (their cars at least) have one of the best ratings for reliability around.

I wish someone would come out w/ another Kick sized rig. The specs on the US Tucson shows a 2.7L engine... nearly as large as the SanteFe, same (lousy) mileage & 1000+ lbs heavier than a Kick.

(Years ago) I was down at the dealer to buy a new Kick or X90, when I found they'd gone to the Suzuki Viagra. (A decent enough rig, if you want something big.)
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 13, 2004, 02:45:41 PM
Quote

10 years / 100,000 mile warranty????


You would have to have a warranty that long for all that shody workmanship.  Notice how luxury cars never have warranties that long.  ;D
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: mperry on October 13, 2004, 02:54:09 PM
True... but only Honda has a better record of fewer first year warranty claims. (Odd, eh?)
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 13, 2004, 02:57:56 PM
My father bought a hyundai and he likes it fine. No problems to speak of and it is holding together nicely. I don't see why everyone picks on cheaper vehicles.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: mperry on October 13, 2004, 08:37:01 PM
Quote
My father bought a hyundai and he likes it fine. No problems to speak of and it is holding together nicely. I don't see why everyone picks on cheaper vehicles.


True enough. My '89 (when they had all sorts of troubles) was a good car for years.

The modern (in the last 2 year) tests show it's the 2nd best car being sold... at least for "to dealer" repairs in the first year. Only Honda beats it, and it's tied with Toyota. GM, Ford, and the rest are *way* down on the scale.

Of course, it doesn't mean I'd buy one of the Hyundai Viagra wagons.  ;D Auto companies produce cars for the previous decade. |removethispart|@ $2.25 per gallon (local) it's the only reason I'd consider moving to a new car... though mine has another decade in her.
Title: Re: GV replacement goes monocoque
Post by: explosivo on October 14, 2004, 12:04:43 AM
Quote
10 years / 100,000 mile warranty????

Are you sure the warranty is still valid when we swap it into our kicks? ;D