In light of the release of the Suzuki concept x-2 (think that's the name. he he)and multiple conversations between myself and my father I've decided to post. What would you want in a new SUV? consider manufacturing and production costs, feasability, likes vs needs. Personally this is my idea:

• 2 door swb/lwb
  
• box ladder frame with unibody to increase stability, rigidity etc.
  
• Hardtop or Soft top with full Rollcage
  
• 115-140hp, FI 4-cylinder
  
• 5-speed Manual Transmission
  
• 4WD , 2hi, 4hi, 4lo,  Automatic (similar to the jimmy)
  
• 9-10 inches of ground clearance
  
• IFS/Solid Rear Axle
  
• 225/75R15's
  
• Factory Skidplates
  
• Bucket Front Seats/ Removable Rear Jumps
  
• Duralined interior, rubber floor liner
  
• Completely sealed electronic system
  
• Hosable Interior for quick cleaning( dash, seats.. everything)
  
• Driver/Pass Airbags
  
• Various independant 12volt powersources for equipment
  
• Removable Doors
  
• Folding Windshield
  
• All breather hoses and snorkel routed to top of rollbar.
  
• All options are dealer installed for streamlining of manufacturing.
  
• $8-10,000 USD
  

I've herd the old sj's could use the heater motor to blow water out of the engine after a watercrossing gone bad, this would be a neat feature. Also a dash mounted tilt/ compass package.Also small cheap (weaklinks) in drive train componants such as shearpins would be nice.

Well this is my idea, post your own, or if you see something that you don't like post what and why.  

Forget manual stick old-fashioned bullshit.....

FERRARI F-1 PADDLE SHIFTER



No more stalling in first gear....ever.  Just click, point, gas, and go.

• 115-140hp, FI 4-cylinder
  
• 5-speed Manual Transmission
  
• 4WD , 2hi, 4hi, 4lo,  Automatic (similar to the jimmy)
  
• 225/75R15's
  

multi port EFI 4 cly(no TB!)
optional auto
4wd: 4hi, 4low, 2high, 2low?
if they ran some BFG  AT's that size that would be killer in snow

what about low range?  needs to be somthing everyone could use like 2.2:1???

stu

DID SOMEBODY SAY    DIESEL?

DID SOMEBODY SAY    DIESEL?

Just you










;DMike

Must've been an echo

why r we talking 4 banger with ifs.
straight axle
at least a 200 hp V-6
coil sprung 4-link
room for 5 people
roof rack/exo-cage
NO unibody
boxed and cross boxed frame
convertable
maybe even a diesel if we r lucky touque is beautiful.
fatory winch

That F-650 is bad a$$

I agree... solid axle and aluminum V6. Unfortunately, $8-10k new isn't going to inspire auto makers to create a decent vehicle... wasn't the Sidekick around $15k when it came out in the late eighties?

That f650 may look neat but they are PIGS with the cat motor. Not to mention very exspensive and impossible to park.

That f650 may look neat but they are PIGS with the cat motor. Not to mention very exspensive and impossible to park.

ANd where could you off road it?

why r we talking 4 banger with ifs.
straight axle
at least a 200 hp V-6
coil sprung 4-link
room for 5 people
roof rack/exo-cage
NO unibody
boxed and cross boxed frame
convertable
maybe even a diesel if we r lucky touque is beautiful.
fatory winch

I think you could make your 'dream truck' out of a Land Cruiser FZJ80.  Has about everything you asked for (except a 215HP I-6 instead of V6) plus factory lockers.  Add your winch and exo-cage.  Outside the USA they even came with a turbo-diesel.

Very nice for wheeling for more than two people and all their gear.  But after wheeling a sammi for while, it feels really big, heavy, and way to much sheet metal.

I think you could make your 'dream truck' out of a Land Cruiser FZJ80.  Has about everything you asked for (except a 215HP I-6 instead of V6) plus factory lockers.  Add your winch and exo-cage.  Outside the USA they even came with a turbo-diesel.

Very nice for wheeling for more than two people and all their gear.  But after wheeling a sammi for while, it feels really big, heavy, and way to much sheet metal.

Yeah...

So put everything in a 4 door kick!  

Yeah...

So put everything in a 4 door kick!  

If you can fit 5 people and their gear, then the modified 4-door kick solution looks good to me.  Go no bigger than you absolutely have to.

Otherwise, the 3rd row seats and larger interior space may be required.  The FZJ80 also does a nice job on towing your sammi/kick around to the really fun trails.

-Paul