Well Suzuki finally unveiled their new SUV Concept X2   Unibody built-in ladder frame, fulltime 4wd, IFS and IRS along with tyres that are still under 28" and a whole bunch of electronic controls.

http://www.theautochannel.com/F/news/2005/03/24/020238.html

well, even the new J**p is IFS.
They need to get people that actually wheel to design the 4X4s and car drivers to design the cars.
Not the other way around.
Have ya ever read a 4x4 review? The test drivers always say stupid things like "it rides like a truck"
DUH! it is a truck. Dumb A**

Not that I'm actually going to buy one, but did anyone look at the fulltime 4wd included?  It actually has a locking center diff, and a high and low range.   Sounds to me like a regular part-time 4wd transfer case except you can run the center diff open to drive it on street.

That thing's a Chevy Equinox!!

--Mr. Zook

Actually it's not based on the Theta platform.


Actual production Photo.

The Majestic Graphite Concept-X2 revealed today displays distinctive design, interior sophistication and leading Suzuki SUV engineering. Combining a V6 engine, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case and built-in ladder-frame construction with class-leading interior features such as an AM/FM/XM CD stereo with seven speakers including a subwoofer, the Concept-X2 was designed to be as comfortable off-road as it is on.

Genuine SUV Toughness
The Concept-X2 is equipped with a V6 DOHC engine with a five-speed automatic transmission expected to deliver 185 horsepower. The result is a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle enabling its drivers to pursue their own adventurous way of life.

Built for authentic off-road capability, the Concept-X2 offers unibody, built-in ladder-frame construction, four-mode, full-time, 4x4 transfer case with locking center differential and four-wheel independent suspension. Four separate 4x4 traction modes - high-range, high-range lock, low-range lock and neutral - enable the vehicle to match its off-road capability to any terrain.

http://forums.gminsidenews.com/showthread.php?t=7948

SUZUKI IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERING VARIOUS SHARED-PRODUCTION SCENARIOS WITH GM INCLUDING THE USE OF GM’S THETA PLATFORM IN THE FUTURE. WE CAN TELL YOU THAT SUZUKI’S NEXT-GENERATION SUV WILL BE PRODUCED IN JAPAN.

OH DEAR GOD PLEASE BE THE JIMNY!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!
AMERICAN SUZUKI REMAINS COMMITTED TO OFFERING PRODUCTS CHARACTERIZED BY VERSATILITY AND AFFORDABILITY. SPECIFICALLY, IN 2005, AMERICAN SUZUKI WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW SMALL SUV.

Probably won't be... But I can hope!

Equinot an SUV specs:
Length: 188.8 in.  Width: 71.4 in.  
Height: 69.3 in.  Wheel Base: 112.5 in.  
Ground Clearance: 8 in.  Curb Weight: 3776 lbs.  
Gross Weight: 5070 lbs.  

Suzuki X2:
Overall Length 176 inches
Overall Width 74.4 inches
Overall Height 66.7 inches
Wheelbase 103.9 inches
Tread 63.8 inches (front)
64.6 inches (rear)

I beleive GM owns the lease on the Cami plant right now. GM ONLY owns 20% of Suzuki and Suzuki owns 10% of GM. GM does not TELL Suzuki what to do however they are partners. And GM owns the majority of Daewoo, Suzuki owns the rest. They went in on it together. Currently Suzuki is using the GM DAT lineup for the US, GM is using it elsewhere.

it's too bad, as i had my hopes up about this one. it looks like the old traditional style 4x4's are a thing of the past with auto makers now.

so it's off to plan "b" now. my mom needs a new car, so i'm thinking of buying a 2dr tin top trackick auto for her. which will be mine when she hangs up driving, which should be within ten years or so. this way i'll have a well maintained rig to build later on. instead of trying to find one later. maybe a 4dr too which ever comes first.

no, not an equinox, it shares the platform of a Saturn Vue. Sounds promising. but it is a shared GM product.  and just because it's a GM platform does not mean it won't or can't be produced in Japan.

Dimensions compared to the VUE are still a bit short. Fact that it has a t-case (noting the lo-range) might mean a longitude based engine/tranny which the VUE chassis cannot take due to a lack of tranny hump (unibody designe would have to be redesigned). Still maybe the bassis was off the Vue... My fingers are crossed on it. I see a FWD engine/tranny setup I'll pass.