2005 Suzuki Wave Grand Vitara

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Auto Car | 2005 Suzuki Wave Grand Vitara | The 'Wave' Grand Vitara offers innovative design and technology to watersports enthusiasts. The unique frame design of the 'Wave' resembles a convertible SUV with all the capabilities of the all-new Grand Vitara and more. With a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs., the Grand Vitara concept is designed to pull a boat or jet skis for lake-bound enthusiasts.

In addition, the 'Wave' offers an in-dash GPS and navigation system to help adventurers find their way to the latest sporting event or watercraft launching spot. The 'Wave' also is equipped with built-in monitors in the rear headrests for ultimate passenger enjoyment. Other features include, nautical-themed railing doors, a tailgate-friendly removable, wheeled barbeque and food cooler and rear-facing television camera to help hook up a boat trailer.

To showcase Suzuki's tailgate-friendly concept vehicle, the 'Wave' kicked off a 12-market college football and NFL tailgate tour across the country in conjunction with the American Tailgating Association and Sports Illustrated. Following an action-packed tailgate schedule, the 'Wave' will join the auto show circuit, with stops planned in San Diego, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio, Dallas and Atlanta.

The Suzuki Sidekick, as it was known in North America, was produced under various names from 1989 through 2003. The Sidekick was known by many names; in Europe it was the Vitara as well as North America after 1999, and the Suzuki Escudo, which was produced from 1989 through 2004. The project was a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. GM's version were known as the Geo Tracker, after 1998 they were the Chevrolet Tracker. In Canada they were the Pontiac Sunrunner, in Spain it was the Santana 300 and 350. It even carried a Mazda badge in the Japanese market.

For the North American market, the Suzuki Sidekick was first introduced in 1989. It was offered in two bodystyles including a two-door convertible or hardtop. The JA version was fitted with a 1.3-liter engine. The JX and JLX trim levels had a 1.6-liter engine rated at 80 horsepower and given a four-wheel drive system. The JLX version was removed from the line-up in 1990. A four-door version of the Sidekick was introduced in 1991, sitting on a larger wheelbase, and greatly enhancing the versatility and appeal of the vehicle. A Sport version appeared in 1996, featuring a 1.8-liter engine that was good for 120 horsepower. The package included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint scheme, and dual airbags for safety.

1996 was the same year Suzuki introduced their X-90, which was basically a Sidekick with two doors, seating for two, a trunk, removable T-bar roof, and a much rounder body. Mechanically, they were identical. The X-90 never sold well as the public did not agree with the design. Production lasted for a short time, ending in 1998.

In 1999, the Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara was redesigned. For North America, the name 'Sidekick' was dropped in favor of Vitara. The four-seater vehicle could be purchased with a 1.3L, 1.6L, or 1.8L four-cylinder engine with carburetion or electronic fuel injection. Diesel engines were made available in Europe. A four-speed manual was standard, with a five-speed manual and automatic being offered as optional equipment. The Vitara came in two- or four-door models or soft-top 2-door models.

Source : www.conceptcarz.com