SUZUKI OFFERS TRUCKLOADS OF FUN
AT 2008 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
· Suzuki celebrates another annual sales record, marking four consecutive years of growth
· Versatile Suzuki X-HEAD concept set for North American premiere
· Eye-catching Suzuki SX4 WRC, SXForce and full line of vehicles on display
DETROIT – (Jan. 11, 2008) – After a fourth consecutive year of increasing sales, and more than 100,000 units sold for the second year in a row, Suzuki Auto carries enormous momentum into the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). With the Motor City serving as a backdrop, Suzuki showcases its X-HEAD concept, a completely contemporary vision of off-roading built on Suzuki’s 40-year history of credible off-road architectures. The Suzuki X-HEAD, making its North American debut at NAIAS this year, combines form and function – with a healthy dose of “cool factor� – using purpose-built modules for various active lifestyles.
In addition to the go-anywhere X-HEAD, Suzuki will showcase the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept based on the all-new 2008 four-door SX4 Sport that embodies the company’s legendary motorcycle heritage. Suzuki also sports its entry in the World Rally Championship (WRC), a head-turning vehicle derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover that has received significant attention since being introduced at SEMA in 2007.
“Suzuki Auto is pleased to be a part of NAIAS 2008 on the heels of another year of record-setting sales, which can be credited, in large part, to our versatile and award-winning products along with growing brand familiarity,� said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “With the popular SX4 Sport now in showrooms and more fresh designs and exciting product introductions on the horizon, Suzuki Auto is well-positioned for continued success in 2008.�
Suzuki X-HEAD
Making its North American debut, the funky Suzuki X-HEAD concept cross-utility vehicle was built to offer serious off-road performance and was first seen globally at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
With flexibility and fun at the heart of its appeal, the X-HEAD concept offers adaptable stowage with diverse load-carrying capabilities and can be coupled with three distinct purpose-built modules, including the “Camper,� which allows two adults to sleep in comfort. X-HEAD also can be equipped with the “Fashion,� which provides stylish urban mobility, or the “Rescue,� which is designed for emergency search and safety operations.
Resembling an iconic Tonka® truck, but with more capability than a mere toy, the rugged and functional X-HEAD concept combines the off-road capabilities of the Suzuki Jimny and Grand Vitara with the load-carrying capacity of the Suzuki APV van from Japan – all in a package that combines confidence with panache. The truck is fitted with a full-time four-wheel-drive system with limited slip center differential and boasts a four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC powerplant matched to a six-speed dual clutch transmission. X-HEAD also is outfitted with aggressive off-road tires featuring an “X� tread along with steep approach and departure angles that further enhance its go-anywhere-anytime capabilities.
In the airy, functional cockpit, the X-HEAD includes many practical features designed for added convenience and comfort, including a rear vision camera with wide monitor display and neoprene seats with net sheets for waterproofing. And in case you find yourself in a precarious situation, the X-HEAD also comes equipped with a portable multi-utility toolbox that includes a combination flashlight/hammer. If preparedness is your motto, X-HEAD is your vehicle.
Suzuki SXForce
The SXForce is one of the latest additions to Suzuki’s media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFESTYLE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Reinforcing the link between the company’s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, the SXForce is a sportbike-inspired concept based on all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. Designed and built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission.
The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000.
While the SXForce is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. This fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package – 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power.
The motorcycle theme continues inside the SXForce, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals are monitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger and all vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford Fosgate audio system.
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 extensive testing 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 similarly well regarded.
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, while 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 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 SX4 Sport
The all-new 2008 four-door Suzuki SX4 Sport is the urban cousin to the five-door SX4 Crossover and designed to ease the day-in, day-out metropolitan grind for its drivers. Sharing a common appeal to those who live a life consistent with Suzuki’s “Way of Life� brand philosophy, the SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover seamlessly blend into varied driving conditions and environments.
The SX4 Sport inherited its award-winning handling capabilities from the Suzuki Swift, which has won more than 16 international awards. Having wowed journalists and drivers throughout the world, the sporty Swift character embodied in the SX4 Sport can now be enjoyed by U.S. consumers. Suzuki’s development benchmark for the SX4 Sport was to meet or beat the Swift on key dynamic performance attributes in order to win the heart of the American consumer.
SX4’s appeal does not end at the track, as it offers bold, youthful styling along with a generous list of standard features and a surprisingly roomy interior. Targeted toward younger buyers with a male skew, the SX4 Sport represents a core model for Suzuki that has a personality distinct from its competitors.
Built in Japan, the SX4 Sport features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission or an available specially tuned four-speed automatic transmission. The responsive engine’s strong low-end torque provides the fun-to-drive feeling commuters and weekenders crave, along with more power than segment volume leaders. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, with an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway with automatic transmission.
The 2008 SX4 Sport is one of the best-equipped compact cars in America, with more standard features than cars costing thousands more. The base SX4 Sport’s standard features include six airbags (front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags), four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system, trip computer, front seatbelt pretensioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, aero body package, 17-inch alloy wheels and floor mats. The starting MSRP for the four-door SX4 Sport is $14,770 plus $625 for destination and handling.
The Convenience Package adds cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, automatic climate control and heated outside mirrors. Adding only $500, the starting MSRP for the SX4 Sport with the Convenience Package is $15,270. For just another $1,000, the Touring package adds a six-disc CD player, upgraded 380-watt audio system with nine speakers, including subwoofer, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, Electronic Stability Program (ESP)1 with traction control system and SmartPass keyless entry and start system, and starts at $16,270. An automatic transmission is available for $1,100 on all models.
Suzuki SX4 Crossover
Since its introduction as a 2007 model, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover has received numerous awards, including being named one of the “Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000� by Kelley Blue Book and “Best Kept Secret of 2007� by Autobytel. The SX4 Crossover features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. Fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive as standard equipment, the five-door is America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving condition.
Several refinements have been made for the 2008 model year, including a revised fifth gear ratio (M/T) for improved highway mpg and reduced NVH, remote fuel door release, air conditioning with automatic climate control and heated outside mirrors with the Convenience package. Other available features for the 2008 SX4 Crossover include Bluetooth connectivity, sport pedals and shifter. The starting MSRP for the five-door SX4 Crossover is $15,270 plus $625 destination and handling.
Suzuki XL7
Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the XL7 midsize crossover SUV evolved from a body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive design to a larger, more comfortable front-drive unibody design. Suzuki’s flagship SUV, which proudly displays a quadruple five-star safety rating, boasts a standard 3.6-liter V6, DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic control, available all-wheel drive and three-row seating. All work together to deliver the size, style, power and flexibility needed to facilitate a consumer’s active lifestyle with ease.
For 2008, the XL7 packs even more value into Luxury and Limited models with added standard features. Luxury models now include standard power moonroof and six-CD audio system. Limited models feature a substantially lower MSRP than the 2007 model, and include significant upgrades to the standard equipment list, including power heated front seats, touch screen navigation system, rear vision camera system, power moonroof, chrome wheels and six-CD, Pioneer-branded premium audio system. Limited models also offer an available rear entertainment system. The starting MSRP for the XL7 midsize SUV is $21,349 plus $650 destination and handling. The fully-loaded Limited is available for $28,899 plus destination.
