Motor Authority - blog Category: Suzuki

  • 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan first official details

    2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan first official details We've watched as Suzuki progressed the Kizashi sedan through three stages of concepts and then spy shots, finally approaching a production appearance, but today the sporty four-door is making its official debut. Despite images leaked yesterday, there's still new information to be had, including the range of available powertrains and standard options.

    Both FWD and AWD variants are on offer, with the FWD model getting the choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional continously variable (CVT) unit. The AWD model comes only with the CVT transmission.

    Scooting the car along is a 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder that ... We've watched as Suzuki progressed the Kizashi sedan through three stages of concepts and then spy shots, finally approaching a production appearance, but today the sporty four-door is making its official debut. Despite images leaked yesterday, there's still new information to be had, including the range of available powertrains and standard options. Both FWD and AWD variants are on offer, with the FWD model getting the choice between a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional continously variable (CVT) unit. The AWD model comes only with the CVT transmission. Scooting the car along is a 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder that Suzuki claims outstrips the competition, though it isn't yet releasing official power or torque figures. Within a year, Suzuki also says it will have a hybrid version of the Kizashi on the road, but no details on that powertrain are available yet. The four-pot itself is sure to be lightweight, however, with its aluminum head, block and pistons reducing the front-heavy weight distribution inherent in the front-engine/FWD layout. Weight distribution is important, because Suzuki is pushing the sportiness of the Kizashi as a primary feature. With a suspension tuned in Europe - including a stint at the Nurburgring - the car is aiming directly at the 'aspirational' Japanese and American carmaker set. Whether it will have the performance chops to hang with the big brands is one thing, but it will also have to meet a high set of expectations when it comes to features. The offerings inside are a step beyond the standard budget fare, with standard keyless push-button start, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. On the optional list, premium leather uphosltery and three-stage heated memory seats make for a more comfortable commute. And commuting is where the Kizashi is most likely to feel at home, despite its performance intentions. The car's available AWD system is augmented with Suzuki's Dynamic Vehicle Stability Control (DVSC), which the company claims is an improvement on the standard ESP found in most cars due to its greater degree of driver control. The DVSC system is also available on the FWD version of the Kizashi. With this slate of initial standard features and options, Suzuki is set to stir up the entry-level sport sedan market, but the question remains whether now is the right time, and whether the Suzuki brand - and the Kizashi name - can push through the economic gloom to reach driver's wallets. On the other hand, people need cars now as much as ever, and scaling back expenses without giving up features may be just the ticket - whatever the car is called. The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan will be on sale in the U.S. before the end of 2009, meaning a late-year appearance in the flesh, possibly the Los Angeles Auto Show, could be in the cards.Suzuki Kizashi 3 ConceptSuzuki Kizashi Concept2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan Read More
  • Suzuki’s new Kizashi sedan revealed

    Suzuki’s new Kizashi sedan revealed Suzuki has released three very different concept vehicles in the past 12 months, all grouped under the same ‘Kizashi’ heading. The most recent of these was the Kizashi 3, a stylish sedan concept unveiled at March’s New York Auto Show that was the closest of the three show cars to resembling anything close to a regular production vehicle.

    A prototype for the new sedan was spotted recently testing in the U.S., and now we have the first image of the actual production version, which was snapped at a recent press event.

    Suzuki has described the Kizashi as being a sporty sedan designed to compete with other mid-sized cars such... Suzuki has released three very different concept vehicles in the past 12 months, all grouped under the same ‘Kizashi’ heading. The most recent of these was the Kizashi 3, a stylish sedan concept unveiled at March’s New York Auto Show that was the closest of the three show cars to resembling anything close to a regular production vehicle. A prototype for the new sedan was spotted recently testing in the U.S., and now we have the first image of the actual production version, which was snapped at a recent press event. Suzuki has described the Kizashi as being a sporty sedan designed to compete with other mid-sized cars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The car sits on a 4,650mm platform, which is 165mm shorter than a Camry, but its wheelbase is longer to accommodate more interior space. The engine lineup will include two gasoline engines displacing 2.3L and 3.6L, and a 2.0L turbodiesel. Front wheel drive will be standard although an AWD option will be available for some models. A paddle-shifted six-speed automatic will also be offered. The Kizashi will be manufactured at a brand new plant in Japan and will first be launched in Japan and the U.S. early next year. Other variants, including a hatchback and wagon, will likely be launched in Europe soon after the launch of the sedan. Stay tuned for an update as all the official info and images are scheduled to be released tomorrow. Via: Jalopnik2010 Suzuki Kizashi spy shots Read More
  • ”No chance” of Super Aguri F1 return

    ”No chance” of Super Aguri F1 return There is "absolutely no chance" that Super Aguri could return to formula one even with a low budget cap next year. That is the insistence of co-owner Fumio Akita, despite former co-owner and team boss Aguri Suzuki recently suggesting to Japanese press that he is interested in reviving the collapsed project.

    Akita told Reuters that there was "absolutely no chance. Even without the world financial crisis and its effect on Japan's economy Super Aguri couldn't afford it."

    With Honda's technical and financial backing, Super Aguri operated on a small budget in 2006 and 2007, then folding after four races of last year's championship.

    Akita... There is "absolutely no chance" that Super Aguri could return to formula one even with a low budget cap next year. That is the insistence of co-owner Fumio Akita, despite former co-owner and team boss Aguri Suzuki recently suggesting to Japanese press that he is interested in reviving the collapsed project. Akita told Reuters that there was "absolutely no chance. Even without the world financial crisis and its effect on Japan's economy Super Aguri couldn't afford it." With Honda's technical and financial backing, Super Aguri operated on a small budget in 2006 and 2007, then folding after four races of last year's championship. Akita continued, "we already pulled out once because we did not have the resources to continue. Even if we had $60 million to spend we would have to start from scratch again. We don't know where these newspaper reports came from but Aguri has also said there's no chance." Further pacifying the Super Aguri rumours, its star driver Takuma Sato has admitted on a visit to the Indy 500 preparations that he is keen to pursue a future in America's open wheeler scene. The figure for the voluntary budget cap in formula one next year has been set at £40 million after being ratified by the World Motor Sport Council in Paris late last month. At the same time the maximum number of teams was increased by 1 to 13 for 2010. An entry list for 2010, potentially featuring a full grid of 26 cars, will be published by the Paris body in June. The story doesn’t end there as Honda, having seen the stunning success of its former Brackley-based team under the guidance of Ross Brawn, is also rumored to be considering a return to F1 after its hasty withdrawal at the end of last season. Read More
  • Los Angeles Auto Show debut pegged for new Kizashi sedan

    Los Angeles Auto Show debut pegged for new Kizashi sedan In January reports emerged that the global financial downturn was forcing Suzuki to postpone its plans to launch its new Kizashi sedan, as well as to delay construction on new overseas factories in Thailand and Russia. Suzuki officially denied the claims, stating that the company was still planning on unveiling the car at this year's New York Auto Show.

    Those plans ultimately changed as the car missed out on last week’s New York event but the actual launch will still go ahead as scheduled this November. Automotive News reports that the production version of the Kizashi Concept (no name has been announced yet) will make its debut at... In January reports emerged that the global financial downturn was forcing Suzuki to postpone its plans to launch its new Kizashi sedan, as well as to delay construction on new overseas factories in Thailand and Russia. Suzuki officially denied the claims, stating that the company was still planning on unveiling the car at this year's New York Auto Show. Those plans ultimately changed as the car missed out on last week’s New York event but the actual launch will still go ahead as scheduled this November. Automotive News reports that the production version of the Kizashi Concept (no name has been announced yet) will make its debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show and this about the same time it will be appear in dealerships across the country. The Kizashi is expected to be manufactured in a brand new plant in Japan. Development of the car is already well underway, with prototypes spotted testing in the U.S. and Germany wearing very light camouflage. Suzuki previously described the Kizashi as being a sporty sedan designed to compete with other mid-sized cars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The car, when it is eventually built, will sit on a 4,650mm platform that is 165mm shorter than a Camry, but its wheelbase will be longer to accommodate more interior space. The engine lineup will supposedly include two petrol engines displacing 2.3L and 3.6L respectively, as well as a 2.0L turbodiesel unit for European markets. FWD is expected to be standard although an AWD option will be available for some models as well as a paddle-shift six-speed automatic.2010 Suzuki Kizashi patent designs2010 Suzuki Kizashi spy shotsSuzuki Kizashi 3 Concept Read More
  • Scorpion Motorsports releases new three-wheel terror

    Scorpion Motorsports releases new three-wheel terror There’s no shortage of lightweight sports cars hitting the market, but the new Prodigy P6 from Scorpion Motorsports is a very different animal. Instead of two rear wheels it’s got just the one fat center hub, which in this trike configuration allows the Prodigy to manoeuvre much more effectively than a regular car.

    Throw in a high-revving Suzuki Hayabusa four-cylinder engine, which in the superbike ranges from about 171 (128kW) to 197hp (147kW) in output, and you have a recipe for extreme performance. So what kind of numbers are we looking at? Think 0-60mph times in around 3.3 seconds. The P6’s creators also claim it can... There’s no shortage of lightweight sports cars hitting the market, but the new Prodigy P6 from Scorpion Motorsports is a very different animal. Instead of two rear wheels it’s got just the one fat center hub, which in this trike configuration allows the Prodigy to manoeuvre much more effectively than a regular car. Throw in a high-revving Suzuki Hayabusa four-cylinder engine, which in the superbike ranges from about 171 (128kW) to 197hp (147kW) in output, and you have a recipe for extreme performance. So what kind of numbers are we looking at? Think 0-60mph times in around 3.3 seconds. The P6’s creators also claim it can pull up to 1.5g on the skidpad. This level of fun doesn’t come cheap, however, with prices for the Prodigy P6 starting at a $40,000. This puts it in the same segment as other lightweight road racers such as the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow.Scorpion Motorsports Prodigy P6 Read More
  • Trio of customized Suzuki Equator pickups headed to Chicago Auto Show

    Trio of customized Suzuki Equator pickups headed to Chicago Auto Show At next month’s 2009 Chicago Auto Show Suzuki will unveil a trio of customized Equator pickup trucks co-developed with three different off-road and lifestyle magazines. The first vehicle from the lineup has already been revealed in the form of the Truckin' Equator, which has been fitted with a modified four-cylinder powertrain and a Suzuki GSX-R motorbike in its tray.

    Another version was developed together with 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine and rounding out the trio is an Off-road magazine designed model. All three will make their debut in Chicago on February 11.

    Incidentally, the current Equator pickup first made its debut at last... At next month’s 2009 Chicago Auto Show Suzuki will unveil a trio of customized Equator pickup trucks co-developed with three different off-road and lifestyle magazines. The first vehicle from the lineup has already been revealed in the form of the Truckin' Equator, which has been fitted with a modified four-cylinder powertrain and a Suzuki GSX-R motorbike in its tray. Another version was developed together with 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine and rounding out the trio is an Off-road magazine designed model. All three will make their debut in Chicago on February 11. Incidentally, the current Equator pickup first made its debut at last year’s Chicago event. Back then, Suzuki also unveiled three separate representations of the truck, including the 'RMZ-4' for off-road enthusiasts, 'Quad' for outdoor adventurers and 'Quay' for boating and watersport fans. The Equator is actually based on the Nissan Frontier and is built at a Nissan factory in Smyrna, Tennessee. It is available in either Extended Cab or Crew Cab bodystyles and is powered by a base 152hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine or a 261hp 4.0L V6. Read More

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