SUZUKI AUTO RIDES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WAVE
INTO 2007 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
· Suzuki debuts surf-themed convertible concept based on all-new four-door SX4 Sport
· Record-breaking Suzuki XL7 Hill Climb Special and SX4 WRC race to auto show floor
· Suzuki displays full line of vehicles for active Southern California lifestyles
LOS ANGELES – (Nov. 14, 2007) – Energized by continued strong sales and the recent launch of the all-new 2008 four-door Suzuki SX4 Sport, American Suzuki Motor Corp. arrives at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show poised to impress Southern California auto enthusiasts with its full line of versatile cars and SUVs and its never-before-seen Makai concept vehicle, a surf-inspired convertible based on the SX4 Sport.
Suzuki also showcases its thriving motorsports division with its highly anticipated SX4 WRC car, derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover, and its Suzuki XL7 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Special, which appears at this year’s show for the first time in North America since shattering the longstanding overall time record at the 85th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July.
“With this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show as a backdrop, we’re excited to showcase our expanded line of fun-to-drive production vehicles, including the all-new SX4 Sport,� said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki’s Automotive Operations. “But given Southern California’s reputation for creativity and style, this show also is the perfect venue to display various concepts and other specially modified Suzuki vehicles sharing similar levels of inspiration, lifestyle-based passion and design DNA.�
Suzuki Makai
Concurrent with the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport production vehicle, Suzuki further expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.
With spirited colors and a playful design, Suzuki’s newest LIVE Series offering, the Makai concept, is based on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport and has a dedicated open-car bodystyle for breezy fun-in-the-sun motoring – the perfect ingredient for an exhilarating driving experience. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, Calif., the Makai’s potential is fully realized with its comprehensive list of imaginative, high-style features.
From the ground up, its large 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tires, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers further enhance the Makai’s wide, aggressive stance. Adorned with multi-step sunset orange paint, custom body kit, styled exhaust, and LED taillights and running lamps, the Makai’s exterior is sure to turn curious heads.
Beachgoers and surf aficionados will enjoy the ride to the beach just as much as the beach itself with Makai’s custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop further enhances the Makai’s sporty open-air look.
The Makai’s al fresco cabin is complete with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, high output, beach party-themed VeaLink audio system with MTX speakers and components, dashboard-integrated Garmin® navigation system, Kinetik Power Cell battery, StreetWires audio/video install kit and cabling, Momo Sport steering wheel and color-keyed interior accent lighting.
Suzuki 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 excellent 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 2,500 mm, stands 1,450 mm 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.
Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special
Piloted by Nobuhiro “Monster� Tajima, the Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special broke the longstanding overall time record at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Tajima crossed the Devil's Playground finish line posting a time of 10 minutes, 1.408 seconds, breaking the 1994 record of New Zealand’s Rod Millen by nearly three seconds.
Designed specifically to provide superior power and performance to challenge the world famous “Race to the Clouds,� the Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special boasts a twin-turbocharged liquid-cooled V6 DOHC engine that produces an amazing 1,007 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. It features a six-speed sequential gearbox, triple plate direct release clutch, hydraulically-controlled front and rear differentials and a mechanical multi-plate center differential.
The Suzuki Sport race car’s carbon and Kevlar composite front and rear wing and cowl generate strong aerodynamic downforce for added grip and balance. The vehicle is fitted with 285/60R-18 Falken S/TZ04 Pikes Peak Special tires mounted to 18X11-inch J Rays CE28N wheels. The vehicle sits on a wheelbase of 2,818 mm, stands 1,500 mm high and carries a race weight of 1,100 kg (without driver and fuel).
