Straightline
Suzuki
July 1, 2009
Suzuki will expand its SX4 lineup with the addition of a Sportback model this fall. It's essentially a performance-oriented version of the current SX4 hatchback. It will feature a new 2.0-liter engine that bumps output to 150-hp and 140 pound-feet of torque.
Power will go to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Sportback also gets a lower ride height, revised dampers, 17-inch wheels and revised front and rear fascias.
If you can't wait until the fall, Suzuki has also announced a new pre-paid gas promotion that runs through the rest of the summer. Custormers that buy a new Suzuki SX4 prior to Aug. 31st will get a debit card good for three months of free gas based on various national averages.
Suzuki
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig July 1, 2009, 11:09 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Crossovers, Hatchbacks, Suzuki
April 3, 2009
Sure, it's a camouflaged car running the 'Ring, but Suzuki released it to the media to remind everybody that plans for an all-new midsize "sport sedan" are still in the works. And nothing says sporty like the Nurburgring.
You might remember talk of this sedan from a few months back. Shown in concept form as the Kizashi 3 at last year's New York Show, Suzuki cancelled plans to unveil the production version to conserve cash. Well, the car is still on track for production and Suzuki says it expects to have it on dealer lots by the end of this year. Expect to see an official debut within the next six months.
February 11, 2009
#CAS09 And the winner of the coveted Best Headline Alluding to an '80s Television Program goes to American Suzuki Motor Corporation for its inspired: "Suzuki Goes Truckin' With Hill/Street Hues."
Congratulations, guys. We're pretty sure that the headline refers in some way to the three Equator pickups the company showed, each slathered in aftermarket parts by three different truck-enthusiast magazines. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit, Inside Line
Read all about 'em here.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 11, 2009, 12:49 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki
January 14, 2009
According to Automotive News the Tokyo Motor Show, currently scheduled for October 23rd through November 8th, might be cancelled due to lack of manufacturer interest.
This might say all sorts of things about the current state of the car world, the current state of the world economy or the current state of other big, important things. What it says to us however, is that we might be deprived of the one of our favorite auto shows.
What will the world be without Tokyo-show concept cars that glow-in-the-dark, are powered by mutant squirrels and can be folded up to fit in a suit case? We do not want to consider such a fate. And who will step in to provide replacements the world's greatest car names such as D-Bone, Fuya-jo and Begin Funkybox? Nobody, that's who.
A decision on whether to go ahead with the show is expected within a month. In the meantime we've gathered some examples of what will be lost should this come to pass.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund January 14, 2009, 9:37 AM
- Categories: Daihatsu, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show
January 5, 2009
According to Japan's Nikkei business daily, Suzuki has postponed its upcoming midsize sedan. Originally planned for a 2010 release, the new four-door is delayed indefinitely as the Japanese car company deals with the worldwide automotive meltdown.
Previewed by the Kizashi 3 concept shown in New York last year, the new four-door was designed to push Suzuki into the same arena as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Not exactly an easy segment, but Suzuki promised a V6 as big as 3.6-liters and possibly even all-wheel drive. Combined with a promising exterior shape, the new family sedan seemed like a solid entry for the company known more for its low-end econoboxes.
Nikkei via Reuters
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 5, 2009, 5:42 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, New York Auto Show, Sedans, Suzuki
December 31, 2008
Osamu Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motors, is quite worried as to what the Detroit domino effect may have on the smaller Japanese brands.
His feeling is that it could result in fewer Japanese car manufacturers. Smaller brands like Suzuki, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Isuzu could be impacted in a way in which they may not survive; at least as we currently know them, or at all.
Says Suzuki: "There is a time-lag between what is happening with the Big Three US carmakers and the impact that will have in Japan. It is as if tsunami waves are rolling toward Japanese shores. I believe a real wave will hit us around July or August next year, with car sales hitting rock bottom."
He went on to say that the world was "entering a period in which more than ten Japanese carmakers could be consolidated into a Japan Big Three."
Full story here.
Related story here: Toyota and Honda looking at tweaking supply lines (here) to avoid possible disruptions.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 31, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota
December 29, 2008
It looks like Fiat will be getting a little help thanks to Suzuki. Their upcoming Sedici is mostly a re-badged Suzuki SX4. Besides the Fiat styling cues there are promised to be some mechanical upgrades, including a diesel option. The cute CUVster will be offered in both AWD and FWD.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 29, 2008, 6:45 AM
- Categories: Fiat, Hatchbacks, Suzuki
December 16, 2008
More racing teams are to be cut, thanks to the global economic fiasco. Suzuki has just announced that they're pulling out of the WRC (here).
Here's Inside Line's take: Suzuki Getting Out of FIA World Rally Championship
A little over a week ago Honda announced that they were dropping their F1 team (Audi and Honda drop racing teams), and now they have announced that they are also pulling out of AMA road racing with their bikes (here). With the bikes there is a sub-plot in that there are a lot of bike teams upset with the new AMA road-racing governing body (Daytona Motorsports Group), so I guess this financial mess was the last straw.
Porsche and Subaru too!
After the announcement of Audi pulling out of the American Le Mans Series, we now have learned that Porsche too is pulling out of this racing venue (here).
Subaru is leaving the WRC as well (here). This is a company that has spent 20 years in the WRC!. At least SOA is continuing with their effort in the American Rally series. Wow, talk about a collapse of the racing industry.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 16, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Audi, Honda, Motorsports, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki
November 26, 2008
With Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, Nissan and Infiniti being no-shows at the NAIAS, that gives the Chinese automakers a better chance to display their products. Formally these vehicles have been delegated to pretty much second-class floor space in the basement of Cobo Hall, better known as Michigan Hall.
Not anymore, as there is now some prime real estate now available up on the main floor. Two Chinese brands moving up to the "show" are BYD Auto and Brilliance.
Full story here.
Related stories here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Ferrari, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki
November 18, 2008
First GM sells their stake in Suzuki, and now Ford has announced that they plan to sell two-thirds of their stake in Mazda. As with the GM sale, Ford is scrambling to find cash.
Ford, currently owns 33.4% of Mazda, which is a controlling interest. This sale is about a 20% stake. This would net Ford $540 million based on Mazda's closing price today, which is barely a quarter of what a 20% stake in the Japanese automaker was worth one year ago. Mazda's shares rose 6.4% to 184 yen today amid media reports of a coming sale.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 18, 2008, 5:41 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Suzuki, Trends
GM only owned 3% of tiny Suzuki, but they're desperate for cash, so they sold their stake back to Suzuki. That gave the General $230 million--and every little million helps.
Suzuki claims this will have no impact on their future plans. In fact the two automakers will continue working together despite the sale. "We are committed to continue promoting and implementing not only our existing projects, including development collaboration on advanced automotive technologies, but also collaboration on entries in new emerging markets," Suzuki said in a news release.
Full story here at Carscoop.com.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 18, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, General Motors, Suzuki
November 14, 2008
We mentioned that GM had canceled any and all announcements at the LA auto show. Porsche has passed on the Detroit show, as will Suzuki. Now word is out that Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce have backed out of the Detroit show. Wow...
Full story here.
September 24, 2008
Okay, it's got a big honkin' grille, one that would make a Ford Super Duty owner smile with envy; but is that enough reason to buy a Nissan, er... make that Suzuki Equator pickup?
Other than styling, is there any other reason to consider this truck over a Nissan Frontier? It certainly isn't because Suzuki has a whole bunch more dealers than Nissan--because it doesn't. On the flip side, it does give buyers more total dealers to choose from--if either a Frontier or Equator will do.
So it basically comes down to styling and a larger combined dealer body, right? Anything else?
Well, there is one very real and very rational reason to favor the Suzuki over the Nissan: The warranty. The Suzuki offers 7 years / 100,000 coverage on their powertrain, whereas Nissan only offers 5 years / 60,000 mile coverage on its powertrain. So, if that concerns you, opt for the Suzuki.
No word yet on pricing, but my guess that better warranty won't be free. So I'd expect a slightly higher MSRP on Equator, over its Nissan cousin, to pay for that extra coverage. Trucks should be arriving at dealers shortly.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 24, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Nissan, Suzuki, Trucks
September 13, 2008
Here's the first driving report that I've seen on the '09 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and it's from Canada. I suspect that US-spec models will be similar if not the same, except for government-mandated regulations. Styling also appears to be the same, although the grille has a slightly different mesh pattern. The important changes are under the skin.
For '09 the GV gets two engine choices. The old 185-hp 2.7L V6 has been replaced with either a 166-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, or a more powerful 230-hp 3.2L V6, The 4-cylinder model can be had with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The V6 comes only with a 5-speed automatic. Both models can tow 3000 pounds, which is the same as the '08 model. I was hoping the more powerful V6 might get a boost to 3500 towing, but unfortunately that that's not the case. Good news is that the 3000 tow rating for the 4-cylinder model is class-leading as far as I can tell. I don't know of any 4-cylinder SUV that can tow that much.
The 4WD drive remains the same as last year for both engines. That means a full-time 4-high, part-time 4-high, part-time 4-low, and a neutral position for flat towing.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 13, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Suzuki
September 5, 2008
The general manager of Suzuki Australia, Tony Devers, has stated that the new mid-size Kizashi sedan will be powered by a 2.4-litre I4 engine as well as a V6. The latter is likely to have a capacity of 3.6-litres. Both engines will be Suzuki units. Now I'm sure Devers was speaking in terms of the Aussie market, but I think it's safe to assume this is what we'll see here as well.
The news is not unexpected, as this info pretty much follows suit of most other vehicles in this size segment. What is interesting is that Suzuki will now have two 3,6L V6s; a home-grown in-house engineered unit that's mentioned here, and the GM-source unit now found in the XL-7.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 5, 2008, 7:24 AM
- Categories: Sedans, Suzuki
August 8, 2008
The Asian "Davids" of the auto industry are showing their stuff as the "Goliaths" stumble in this new automotive world.
Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Suzuki are all showing gains in sales (and market share) in these tough times. A lot of it is luck (as in timing), but also in having the right products at the right time--and they are are not saddled with a large percentage of huge profit-sucking vehicles in their product portfolio.
Yeah, Subaru has the Tribeca, which is still hurting them despite the refresh from a year ago. Even so, their market share is up from about 1 percent or so to about 1.52 percent. Still not huge by any means, but it is certainly heading in the right direction. Their all-new Impreza and Forester models are selling at a record rate. Hyundai's market share is now up to 4.22 percent, Kia is at 2.39 percent, and Suzuki is at 0.83 percent; all records for each of these brands.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Down Market Equals New Records for Second-Tier Asian Automakers
More good news is expected for Subaru in future months as the much-needed refresh of the '09 WRX is getting good initial reviews on the Subaru fan sites (unlike last year when the car debuted). Better news still is the '09 WRX price will begin close to that of the '08 model.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Subaru WRX Priced Below $25,000
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 8, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Suzuki, Trends
July 25, 2008
The info is a bit sketchy at this point, but it looks like the Suzuki Grand Vitara is going to get some mid-cycle upgrades for 2009; two of which are engine-related.
Inside Line is reporting that there will be a new 3.2L V6 putting out 230 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. This likely will replace the current 2.7L V6. The other engine I'm guessing will be a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, which I believe is offered in other markets.
This is good news on both fronts. The present 2.7 V6 was neither powerful nor particularly fuel-efficient. If the 4-cylinder shows up, that should address the gas mileage issue. The more powerful V6 will take care of the power aspect.
I've long been a fan of the current-generation Grand Vitara (2008 model pictured). To me it's been sort of like an industrial-strength CRV, in that it's truly an off-roadable vehicle with fairly decent towing capability for its size. However, as much as I've liked it, it's always been a close-but-no-cigar thing with me. It now sounds like most my concerns may have been taken care of.
Also no word yet on prices or when it will show up, but my guess on the latter is within a few months. As more news becomes available, I'll get up here ASAP.
Suzuki Revamps Models for 2009
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 25, 2008, 7:40 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Suzuki
July 10, 2008
The future of Cobo Hall is beginning to look as overcast as the image above. This past year Porsche dropped out of the NAIAS, next year Suzuki will be passing on it, and now there's word of another luxury car brand that's considering on not showing up.
So what brand is it? More important: what's going on here? Don't know, and don't know, but clearly Cobo Hall (and Detroit) have a problem on their hands here. One of those problems is that people come to this show to ooh, ah and dream--but they don't buy. Now that may sound strange, but that's what Manny Lopez of The Detroit News says.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 10, 2008, 6:33 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Porsche, Suzuki
July 2, 2008
No surprise here: June vehicle sales went head-first into a brick wall. The only survivor of the 'Big 6' automakers is Honda. Some of the smaller brands that focus on smaller vehicles also showed some gains, Subaru, Mazda, VW and Suzuki being several. Check out the grizzly results on
AutoObserver's monthly tally.
June Car Sales: U.S. Buyers Almost Veer Off the Road
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Ford, General Motors and Toyota Show 20 Percent Sales Drop in June and
Honda Shines as Domestic Auto Industry Slumps
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 2, 2008, 5:58 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen
June 26, 2008
Citing that they weren't allocated enough floor space at the upcoming Detroit auto show, Suzuki has announced that they would skip this show for 2009.
Jeff Holland, a Suzuki spokesman, said that Suzuki's plans for more active displays couldn't be accommodated. Suzuki plans to introduce three new products in the next 18 months, and other cities better fit their marketing needs, Holland said. "It's recognizing that we can't be everywhere and recognizing that opportunities are better in shows in other parts of the country," said David Boldt, product public relations manager for Suzuki...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 26, 2008, 7:04 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Suzuki
June 25, 2008
A while back I reported on the fact that Suzuki for 2009 will be making navigation standard on their entry-level SX4 model, which starts around $16K ('09 sub-$16K Suzuki SX4 comes with in-dash navigation). I thought then that it was a great idea to make this standard; I still do.
There are several reasons why I like this: This is (A) the first application from any any automaker of offer this feature on a sub-$20K car—not to mention making it standard. Does it add to the MSRP?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 25, 2008, 6:30 AM
- Categories: Car Tech, Suzuki
April 28, 2008
In a brilliant marketing move, Suzuki is making in-dash navigation standard on the 2009 SX4.
That's right, a factory built-in navigation unit will be standard in a sub-$16,000 car! All models are included—from the the cheapest FWD to the most expensive AWD. Cars will begin arriving this summer at dealers.
Included is a "lowest price" gas station finder and real-time traffic capability...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Car Tech, Suzuki
April 4, 2008
Batteries, specifically lithium ion batteries, have been getting most of the green ink lately. Suzuki, however, has been quietly working in a different direction, that being using capacitors. Their RM-Z450 dirt bike is using a capacitor. Does that mean usage in cars might be just around the corner?
Capacitors are not new...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 4, 2008, 7:21 AM
- Categories: Car Tech, Green Tech, Suzuki
April 1, 2008
Rick Suzuki, the 60-year old grandson of the company founder Michio Suzuki, will step down from his post of company CEO. Despite sales growth, the company did not reach the sales goals it had set forth several years back.
I find this rather remarkable. Can you imagine the CEO of any other company stepping down under these circumstances; that being increasing sales and profits, but not achieving earlier stated goals?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 1, 2008, 7:55 AM
- Categories: Suzuki
March 20, 2008
With the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 concept car, the Kizashi period at Suzuki is finally nearing an end. Sort of.
The whole thing started at Frankfurt with the unveiling of the Kizashi concept -- a not-at-all-unpleasant-looking red four-door hatchback. This was followed (predictably) by the largely pointless and fussy-looking four-door hatch Kizashi 2 concept at the Tokyo auto show...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund March 20, 2008, 9:50 AM
- Categories: New York Auto Show, Suzuki
March 6, 2008
Now that Geneva has been pretty much covered, it's on to the New York show, which opens on March 21...
And as such, here's the latest rendering of the Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept. Suzuki has stated that they are looking to offer something that could compete with mid-sized sedans, and this is it—or at least is close to what we might see in showrooms in the not too distant future.
The front end styling is toned down quite a bit from earlier Kizashi concepts, but still, the visual link is strong...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 6, 2008, 8:33 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, Sedans, Suzuki
February 6, 2008
If the overwhelming reception to the Mitsubishi Raider is any indication, we expect big things from the Nissan Frontier-based Suzuki Equator, but not really. It goes on sale at the end of this year at which point you could buy one. Maybe you prefer the Suzuki's front grille to the Nissan's. We do. But not that much...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 3:23 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki
January 31, 2008
The New York Auto Show, the last big show of the North American continent, will have Suzuki showing their latest version of the Kizashi concept, but this time with a V8 possibly stuffed under the hood.
According to Motor Authority, who is reporting this story, Suzuki has green-lighted the earlier shown Kizashi concept. Perhaps better stated the car has been slated for further development, ultimately meaning it's headed for production, in which a V8 could well be part of the package.
Full story here...
Continue reading...
January 28, 2008
In the latest episode of embargo-gate, there is now an image of the new Frontier-based Suzuki Equator up on the Net. The image was first provided by Truck Trend, and is now all over the Internet. An even better image arrived today thanks to Mike Levine over at PickupTruck.com.
As much as I hate badge-engineered vehicles, I have to say from the front this looks pretty good...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 28, 2008, 3:22 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, Nissan, Suzuki, Trucks
December 7, 2007
No, the picture above is not it, but rather a Suzuki Grand Vitara-based concept that Suzuki showed in Tokyo a few years ago.
Anyway, Suzuki is going to show a new pickup at the Chicago Auto Show, and it's expected to wear the Equator name tag.
It had been long rumored that Suzuki partnered with Nissan to do a pickup, and it was to be spun off the Frontier. Now as many folks here know I'm no fan of badge-engineered vehicles; never have been, never will be...
Continue reading...
October 24, 2007
While it's several months out, and we still have Tokyo, SEMA and the LA shows to do, the folks running the Detroit show have let loose with some teaser info regarding this January event.
From the NAIAS October newsletter:
Ford will unveil a new small concept vehicle for the U.S. market that will share the underbody with a concept that Ford unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Ford Verve (rendering pictured above), revealed in Frankfurt, is a crossover vehicle carried on a small B-segment platform...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 24, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki
You expect to see a little bit of everything at the Tokyo auto show, but not necessarily at one conference. Suzuki managed to squeeze five world premieres into a single, 20-minute press intro. Now that's efficiency in action.
The biggest news, in every sense of the word, was the Concept Kizashi 2 (shown above)...
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- Posted by: Karl Brauer October 24, 2007, 2:30 AM
- Categories: Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show
October 4, 2007
I've long thought that the rear fenders of current pickup trucks are in reality a huge area of wasted real estate, and that it could be put to much better use as a storage area. Suzuki seems to agree, as can be seen by this new image of their X-HEAD concept, of which Straightline reported on earlier this week (2007 Tokyo Auto Show: Suzuki X-HEAD concept). The X-HEAD will debut at the Tokyo auto show this month.
As with most great ideas, the solution to this problem is so simple and so obvious one has to wonder why no one else has come up with it before...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 4, 2007, 7:03 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show, Trucks
October 2, 2007
The Suzuki X-HEAD (2007 Tokyo Auto Show: Suzuki X-HEAD concept) is not the only wild concept that Suzuki has in store for the Tokyo auto show. No sirree, Bob! There will be an additional two 4-wheelers and two 2-wheelers, as well.
Vehicles in the image above, reading from top left and clockwise:
• A sustainable mobility concept called the Pixy which houses another more
personal electric vehicle concept known as the SSC
• A second generation Kizashi 2 show car based on the machine shown at
Frankfurt
• A fuel cell powered motorcycle called the crosscage
• A motorcycle modeled after an airplane, called the Biplane
Full story here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 2, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Suzuki
October 1, 2007
The Frankfurt Auto Show is long gone, and so now it's off to Tokyo... In the next few weeks expect to see here a bunch of Tokyo-specific new vehicles, both production and concept; here's the first: The Suzuki X-HEAD concept.
Looking like a cross between a conventional pickup and a UniMog, the X-Head is sure to stir up discussions, both pro and con. I, for one, like it...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 1, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show
September 25, 2007
Might Suzuki be contemplating a WRX-like street car?
You gotta wonder why they're fielding a WRC team, if they're not thinking along those lines. Motor Authority (here) is also wondering the same thing, and according to an article in Cars Guide, a “SX4 Sport” could form the basis for a performance model derived from the WRC car, with an engine and performance mods to firmly take on the Subie WRX. The WRC car gets a 235kW (320hp) engine and weighs only 1230kg, however, a production model could be in the 160kW (215hp) range along with large diameter brakes, hard sports suspension, and a matching bodykit...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 25, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Subaru, Suzuki
September 12, 2007
Excess pudge and average performance credentials relegate the production Suzuki SX4 to blah status in the economy car class, despite the fact that it's an attractive car. Recently, a Suzuki product planner told us that younger owners of the car were asking for a turbocharger option -- a fair request, we think, given that the hatchback version already has all-wheel drive.
The existence of the Suzuki SX4 WRC offers reason for hope. Suzuki had the 2007 version on display in Frankfurt, and the '08 iteration of this car will enter rally competition in the 2008 calendar year. --Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
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- Posted by: Erin Riches September 12, 2007, 10:19 AM
- Categories: Frankfurt Auto Show, Hatchbacks, Motorsports, Suzuki
September 11, 2007
Suzuki calls the Splash its fourth world car in recent years. Hoping to capitalize on the relative success of the Wagon R, the Splash is a multipurpose vehicle that will likely appeal to those with small families and a limited budget -- maybe that's redundant.
For now, the Splash is not headed to the U.S. But given the popularity of cars like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa plus newcomers like the Kia Rondo, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see this car on U.S. roads within the next few years...
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- Permalink | Comments (2)
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- Posted by: Brian Moody September 11, 2007, 9:07 AM
- Categories: Frankfurt Auto Show, Suzuki
OK, now I remember what Suzuki showed - two cars actually, one was this Kizashi concept. Company officials say they have a three point strategy for selling cars worldwide. The focus of those vehicles is to be sportiness, families and status. Guess which one this fulfills?
Suzuki says it's going to build a car like this but it will likely be more grounded in reality than this concept...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody September 11, 2007, 6:19 AM
- Categories: Frankfurt Auto Show, Suzuki
August 13, 2007
Suzuki will be using the Frankfurt auto show as the stage to debut their Kizashi (which means 'prelude' in Japanese) concept. The production version, when it eventually appears in showrooms, will fall in between current Suzuki sedans in terms of size, and will be a global vehicle.
In addition, Suzuki will debut the spunky-production-ready Splash, and the spunky-to-the-max SX4 WRC.
Full story here...
Continue reading...
May 21, 2007
What do you get when you combine two engines from the Suzuki Hayabusa monster-bike (Suzuki = SPEED!)? Hartely Enterprises asked the same question, but went a bit further, as they actually went ahead built just such an engine. The result being a 2.8L 75-degree V8 that weighs 200 pounds and puts out 400 hp at a dizzy 10,000 rpm. Torque is 245 ft-lbs at 7500 rpm...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 21, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Suzuki, Trends
May 17, 2007
How's this for kicking off the weekend?
I think most gearheads will admit that sport bikes are among the quickest vehicles on the planet. With that in mind check out the video found here at Autoblog on the incredible Suzuki Hayabusa.
Specifically note the following:
• How quickly that speedo climbs into triple digits and beyond
• The speedo needle tops out at 220 mph (yes, MPH, not KPH)
• The rider upshifts into 6th gear at 182 mph.
• The bike's redline is 9,000 rpm, but the rider has it pegged at 11,000 rpm...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 17, 2007, 1:26 PM
- Categories: Suzuki
April 5, 2007
It was the North American debut of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan (originally introduced at the Beijing Auto Show), but what Suzuki officials really wanted to talk about was the Swift. Marketing VP Gene Brown mentioned it at least 15 times during his presentation. "It delivers sports car excitement to the subcompact segment in Japan and Europe," he said. Really, it was kind of a tease, given that most people in the Javits Center audience will never get to drive the current-gen Swift.
The Swift is of course the subcompact hatch on which the SX4 is based, and it has been well received by the overseas press, including enthusiast-oriented books like Evo. We talked about the Swift with Suzuki's president of automotive operations, Koichi Suzuki, and he admitted it may have been a miscalculation on the company's part not to bring the current-gen Swift to the U.S. -- focus groups evidently deemed it too small. The next-gen Swift will come here in 2010, says Mr. Suzuki, and it will likely have a 1.5-liter engine.
But back to the SX4 sedan. It's 15 inches longer than the SX4 hatchback (same wheelbase), but we think it will be the better drive. It weighs 110 lbs less than the hatch, you see, because it's front-wheel-drive instead of all-wheel-drive. Suspension tuning is slightly different as well, and the sedan has a 10mm lower ride height. "It's equal to the European Swift when it comes to steering and yaw response," Brown boasted.
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- Posted by: Erin Riches April 5, 2007, 10:47 AM
- Categories: New York Auto Show, Sedans, Suzuki
December 10, 2006
Want the latest future vehicle information, but don't have a subscription to Automotive News? No problem. We've summarized all the important stuff in this weekly update, enjoy.
-- After years of sticking with more fuel efficient V6s, Acura is finally considering a V8 for higher end models...
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November 3, 2006
Well, this is not something you run into everyday—a fuel-powered wheelchair! And by Suzuki, no less! It's called the MIO. Apparently Suzuki is a big manufacturer of wheelchairs, which is a complete "News Flash" to me, as I had no idea that they were into that market...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 3, 2006, 1:19 PM
- Categories: Suzuki, Trends
October 10, 2006
I've often wondered why Suzuki and Honda, both companies that grew out of their motorcycle heritage, have had such an opposite degree of success with their 4-wheeled vehicles. It seems Honda can do no wrong, and until recently Suzuki could do no right. True, Honda was always the larger motorcycle brand here in the USA, but over the years the success of their cars just went through the roof. Suzuki, unlike Honda, just seemed stuck in the mud with their cars, and couldn't get any traction...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 10, 2006, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Honda, Suzuki, Trends
October 3, 2006
Taking centerstage at the Suzuki stand in Paris was the Project Splash, a concept car built on the subcompact Swift/SX4 platform. Other than the bright blue color scheme, there's nothing terribly remarkable about the Splash -- it merely represents another direction Suzuki might take with this platform, something more along the lines of a subcompact people mover/MPV. It also looks quite similar to Renault's Twingo concept.
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- Posted by: Erin Riches October 3, 2006, 4:23 PM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Paris Auto Show, Suzuki
August 27, 2006
No big surprises here as Suzuki is looking to further revamp its small car lineup with an SX4 sedan to replace the Aerio. The 2007 Suzuki SX4 hatchback goes on sale in September, and with 143 horsepower and standard all wheel drive, it's a pretty interesting package for around $16,000. The sedan in these latest spy photos will most likely mimic the hatchback in its specs and price although Suzuki looks as though it will stick with the tall greenhouse styling currently used in the Aerio four-door. I'm guessing we'll see this SX4 debut sometime early next year.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig August 27, 2006, 10:53 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Spy Photos, Suzuki
August 25, 2006
Suzuki this past year has been on a roll. Their new products, Grand Vitara, SX4 and XL7 are all so much better than their outgoing counterparts. So in an effort to maximize this point, Suzuki raised their ad budget of $77 million for 2004 to $107 million for this year. Thanks to the new product and increased ad spending, Suzuki expects to sell 100,000 vehicles this year...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 25, 2006, 7:24 AM
- Categories: Suzuki, Trends
August 7, 2006
It was one heck of a weekend for Motorcrosser/Rally Racer Travis Pastrana. On Friday, during the X Games 12, he performed an incredible double back flip (check out sequenced images) on his Suzuki motocrosser to get the best score in the X Games Freestyle Prelims. I didn't see the event, but I did see the replay on TV, and it was scary—but he landed as he intended, on 2 wheels. He won the finals of this event on Sunday.
Then on Saturday, at X Games 12, he traded his Zook for the Subaru Rally Team USA STI, and was racing against rally legend Sir Colin McRae (yes, he was knighted by the Queen)...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 7, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Motorsports, Subaru, Suzuki
June 16, 2006
Nissan will reportedly build a small truck for Suzuki, to be sold primarily here in North America. There's no question Suzuki needs a small truck—a pickup, I'm assuming. I just hope it's not nothing more than a badge-engineered Frontier. If it is, I suspect it will do no better than the Mitsubishi Raider in the marketplace...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 16, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Nissan, Suzuki, Trucks
April 18, 2006
Yesterday I had a chance to get up to the NY show, and see it as a "civilian." Since IL has reported extensively here on the show there's not a whole lot to add other than a few personal observations.
Suzuki, for me was a big surprise, both good and bad. I love the small SX4, but was less enthralled with the new XL7. I'm sure the XL7 will do well for Suzuki...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 18, 2006, 7:45 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Honda, New York Auto Show, Suzuki
April 13, 2006
Gadzuki! Get the full story on the bite-size 2007 Suzuki SX4 with four photos from the show floor. Good things come in small packages.
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa April 13, 2006, 7:22 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, Suzuki
Largest Suzuki ever. Get the full story on the 2007 Suzuki XL-7 with five photos from the show floor.
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa April 13, 2006, 5:59 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, SUVs, Suzuki
Suzuki just debuted the all-new XL7 at NY. This vehicle, which shares the Chevy Equinox platform, is light years ahead of the old outgoing model; and like its smaller SX4 brother—extremely roomy. Other than the name, the only other thing it shares with the old XL7 is 3-row seating ability.
It comes with a 3.6L DOHC V6, a 5-speed automatic, and will be on sale in the fall...
"Big things comes in small packages." That should be Suzuki's tagline for their new SX4. This tiny SUV has a ton of room. I'm 6'4" and had no problems fitting in either the front or rear seats. Even the trunk area is very roomy...
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March 30, 2006
Suzuki with debut an all-new XL-7 SUV and the SX4 compact crossover at the NY show next month.
The new XL7 will seat seven and will be powered by a new 3.6L V6. Preliminary specs are:
Wheelbase: 112.4-in./2,857mm
Overall width: 72.2-in./1,835mm
Overall length: 196.6-in./4,995mm
Overall height: 68.9-in./1,750mm
The new SX4 will have a 3-mode AWD: 2WD, Auto (on-demand) AWD, and AWD lock for tough conditions. Preliminary specs are:
Wheelbase: 98.4-in./2,500mm
Overall width: 69.1-in./1,755mm
Overall length: 162.8-in./4,135mm
Overall height: 63.2-in./1,605mm
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 30, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, Suzuki
March 22, 2006
Here's a sneek peek of the 2007 Suzuki XL-7. It's expected to show up at the New York auto show next month and go on sale this fall. Built at the same plant as the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the seven-passenger XL-7 will ride on a stretched version of GM's Theta platform. No word on engines yet, but with seven passenger capacity we would hope for more than the current XL-7's 2.7-liter V6.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 22, 2006, 4:30 PM
- Categories: New York Auto Show, SUVs, Spy Photos, Suzuki
March 8, 2006
It was reported earlier that GM would sell off its 20% ownership of Suzuki. Latest reports now say it's not 20%, but 17% instead.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 8, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Suzuki
March 6, 2006
First Fiat, then Subaru, and now Suzuki; GM is about to sell their 20% stake in Suzuki. This is all in furthering their restructuring efforts.
Suzuki said in a statement that "GM and Suzuki will not completely dissolve their capital alliance," adding that the two partners would continue their "strong" operational cooperation. According to the Nikkei, which said that GM's decision had been conveyed to Suzuki by Saturday, the price of the sale would be some 270 billion yen ($2.33 billion)...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 6, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: General Motors, Suzuki, Trends
March 3, 2006
I
think Suzuki is on a roll. I really like the new Grand Vitara (which is
selling very well too), and now they've just introduced this very
good-looking SX4 over at Geneva.
This
is sort of a mini-crossover, if you will; much like the Grand Vitara is
sort of a mini "real" SUV. The SX4 is powered by either a 1.5 base
engine or a 1.6 DOHC engine...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 3, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, SUVs, Suzuki
February 8, 2006
Suzuki may enter a WRC team next year. If so this is great news for both Suzuki and the WRC. I say the more teams the better! As it now stands there is only Ford and Subaru fielding factory teams, so Suzuki's entry in to the WRC would certainly be welcomed...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 8, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Motorsports, Suzuki
February 3, 2006
Suzuki's January sales were led by the Forenza lineup, which was up 78% over 2005. However, the big (percentage) winner was the all-new Grand Vitara with a 589% increase over last January.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 3, 2006, 7:20 AM
- Categories: Suzuki, Trends
December 10, 2005
International nameplates continue to lead the way in vehicle sales. While not exactly new news, this link, however, provides a more detailed breakdown as to where the gains were.
Interesting is that the Nissan Xterra had a 41.9% gain. Suzuki also
show strong gains, thanks to the new Grand Vitara...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 10, 2005, 7:30 AM
- Categories: HUMMER, Nissan, Suzuki, Trends
November 30, 2005
Suzuki has just released some info on the all-new 2007 SX4
crossover.
Like the all-new Grand Vitara, this is a handsome vehicle.
It will come with a 2.0L engine, and in either FWD or on-demand AWD.
It appears to be sized pretty close to the current Subaru Forester...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 30, 2005, 2:02 PM
- Categories: SUVs, Suzuki
November 23, 2005
A South African biker riding a Suzuki superbike
was recently clocked at 284km/h, which, if my math is correct, equals
170mph. This is not the first time some motorcyclist was clocked at
some ungodly speed, as it happened here in the States sometime last
year too.
It is just amazing the speed that some of today's motorcycles are
capable of (even more amazing is the stupidity of some of the riders,
but that's another story). I used to ride bikes back in the 1960s and
1970s...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 23, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Suzuki
November 7, 2005
Fun new concepts by Suzuki!
The "Suzuki Live Series" concept vehicles personify Suzuki's recently
introduced "Way of Life" brand campaign, as each vehicle has been
specially designed for specific outdoor activities, and for those who
participate in them.
The Blizzard Grand Vitara
is aimed at folks with active lifestyles, and who love snow. 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...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 7, 2005, 2:22 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, SUVs, Suzuki
