ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: ebewley on March 28, 2005, 01:01:20 AM
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American Suzuki Unveils Compact SUV Concept at 2005 New York International Auto Show
NEW YORK, (March 24, 2005) - Building on its considerable SUV heritage and borrowing from its recreational lifestyle roots, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today revealed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) its compact SUV concept - Suzuki Concept-X2 - a customer-focused SUV for adventure-seekers unwilling to sacrifice capability, power, performance, safety or style in a right-sized sport-utility package.
The Concept-X2 was unveiled today at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the second embodiment of the automaker's new customer-focused "Way of Life" philosophy - a new brand vision for Suzuki that was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with the Concept-X.
"We're especially excited to reveal Concept-X2 to New York show-goers because it signifies the next great SUV from Suzuki - and the perfect incarnation of our new 'Way of Life' product-development process," said Koichi Suzuki, president of ASMC Automotive Operations.
"Our twenty years of experience in the U.S. SUV market has taught us that SUV enthusiasts don't want to have to sacrifice their own quest for adventure and unique way of life simply because they drive a compact SUV," added Mr. Suzuki. "The Concept-X2 blends refinement, comfort, utility and all-road performance in a right-sized sport-utility design American drivers increasingly want."
The Majestic Graphite Concept-X2 revealed today displays distinctive design, interior sophistication and leading Suzuki SUV engineering. Combining a V6 engine, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case and built-in ladder-frame construction with class-leading interior features such as an AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers including a subwoofer, the Concept-X2 was designed to be as comfortable off-road as it is on.
"Way of Life" Philosophy
As a new brand message and corporate philosophy, "Way of Life" has become the consumer-focused blueprint for how Suzuki will develop its cars and SUVs in the future. New Suzuki vehicles like the Concept-X2 and new generations of existing models will be created by considering the specific needs and desires of people Suzuki is calling "life enthusiasts" - those spirited, adventure-seeking drivers who live life to the fullest instead of watching it from a distance.
"Before our designers ever consider specific product design or performance attributes, they are challenged to completely immerse themselves in the lives of the people who will eventually experience our vehicles," explained Mr. Suzuki. "Instead of contrived solutions, the results are cars and SUVs that outperform their owners' expectations, and add real enjoyment and excitement to their lives."
Genuine SUV Toughness
The Concept-X2 is equipped with a V6 DOHC engine with a five-speed automatic transmission expected to deliver 185 horsepower. The result is a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle enabling its drivers to pursue their own adventurous way of life.
Built for authentic off-road capability, the Concept-X2 offers unibody, built-in ladder-frame construction, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case with locking center differential and four-wheel independent suspension. Four separate 4x4 traction modes - high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral - enable the vehicle to match its off-road capability to any terrain.
Style and Comfort
Evidence of the artful blending of urban sophistication with sporty ruggedness can be found in the Concept-X2's interior and exterior design. The compact SUV has a wide, low stance for a lower center of gravity. Inspired by an athlete at the peak of training, Suzuki designers envisioned bold exterior lines emanating from the vehicle's flared front- and rear-wheel arches, muscular fenders and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels to create a powerful-but-graceful first impression.
The same attention to sporty design and utility can be seen in the Concept-X2's life-enhancing interior features, which include a keyless start system, AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers, HomeLink® wireless remote control system and automatic climate control. Distinctive black leather seating with silver beading and heated front seats demonstrate how closely the interior matches the exterior in its blend of spirited design and comfortable utility.
Safety
Suzuki has engineered a range of active and passive safety systems into the Concept-X2 to provide occupant protection. Suzuki's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) supplements the stability provided by the vehicle's low center of gravity with its four major functions: anti-lock braking system (ABS); electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); traction control (TCS); and stability control.
(http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/conceptX2-side-on-wht.jpg)
(http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/conceptX2-front-on-wht.jpg)
(http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/Suzuki-Logo-Hero.jpg)
(http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/ConceptX2-Wheel-Detail.jpg)
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not my "way of life" :P
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Built for authentic off-road capability, the Concept-X2 offers unibody, built-in ladder-frame construction, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case with locking center differential and four-wheel independent suspension. Four separate 4x4 traction modes - high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral - enable the vehicle to match its off-road capability to any terrain.
They count NEUTRAL as a "traction mode"? ???
Yeah, I'd LOVE to see one of those in Pritchett Canyon!
:o ::)
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They count NEUTRAL as a "traction mode"? ???
Yeah, I'd LOVE to see one of those in Pritchett Canyon!
:o ::)
Maybe next year....
-Eric
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....and built-in ladder-frame construction...
([url]http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/conceptX2-side-on-wht.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.media.suzuki.com/auto/photography/concept_vehicles/concept_x2/views/conceptX2-front-on-wht.jpg[/url])
Hmm..
[pondering FJ80 axles...]
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It's a low rider!
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It looks nice, but I'm confused... ???
It's unibody and has a ladder frame?
This means that it can't be body lifted right?
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It looks nice, but I'm confused... ???
It's unibody and has a ladder frame?
This means that it can't be body lifted right?
Whoa, I just re read that. How is that possible?
Also, what's the big control arm looking thing that drops under the cab in front of the back wheels?
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They count NEUTRAL as a "traction mode"? ???
Yeah, I'd LOVE to see one of those in Pritchett Canyon!
:o ::)
If they will let me I will offer to drive it through Pritchett Canyon! ;D
Mike
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Whoa, I just re read that. How is that possible?
Done before, current Range Rover
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It looks nice, but I'm confused...  ???
It's unibody and has a ladder frame?
This means that it can't be body lifted right?
If it has subframes you can still do a lift but it's a little more complicated.
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Ladder frame means it has crossmembers. Sounds like there gonna use the current engine/tranny from the XL7 with a different t-case. Which means your gonna need crossmembers to hold the tranny up.
Subframes sounds about right too since the rear is IS, which will require a subframe to hold it up and make manufacturing easier.
I REALLY like it. It looks good, the 4wd system sounds good (4-lo), and even though the tires are small the wheel wells are big enough to upgrade even a stock one. Also 4wheel disc brakes are a plus. Totally digging the OZ wheels too. Might trade in the XL7 for it next year!
Remember the 96-01 pathfinders... Nissan welded the body to the frame to make it a unibody. Could be that design too...
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Well then it sounds like good news then!!
No two door which sucks ass....but this could have been worse.
All in all, nice work Suzuki.
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aren't jeep xj's like the cherokee frames fused to the body ?
either way i'm not impressed with this thing. i wanted something like the jimny to appear. the x2 can be modded into a serious orr-roader but who's going to do that to a expensive new vehicle ? and it would need some heavy mods.
the jimny might not sell well in the states, but it would in canada.
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Actually the XJ's use a sheet steel like frame rails. 100% unibody design. Kinda sux but it works. I have one as well that I got rid of the Sami for... Regret it alot but the XJ can hold all my stuff for a long weekend as well as my GF and wife.
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the XJ can hold all my stuff for a long weekend as well as my GF and wife.
There's not a vehicle made that's big enough to hold both your GF and your wife! The chinese ideogram for "trouble" is two women in one house.
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I had to take a double take at that too!!
:o
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I had to take a double take at that too!!
Good to see our minds are still running in the same gutter, Heather!
;D ;)
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I kinda like the idea of the unibody-ladderframe idea. Honda's new ridgeline follows the same architecture. It's a ladderframe much like those found on a normal truck mated to a body with reinforcing members. Quite the idea. It may suck alittle for body lifts, but on the whole, what percentage of the buyers will actually lift the thing? probably not too many. It's nice to see a vehicle that is built outstandling in the eyes of us backyard mechanics but I think sometimes we forget that the majority of people wouln't be lifting, fitting lockers or a winch which leads me to wondering, if we designed cars they would definately sell to a very devoted customer base, but would our company be large enough to compete in the market? :-/.  It's nice to see an suv with real 4x4 capabilties though, If you want Awd go buy a minivan, Soccer-mom! ;D
oh and by architecture, I don't mean in the usual automotive sence but more in the sence of general structure. :)