New Suzuki Wagon Solio Introduced in Japan, Go On Sale on January 2011

Auto Car | New Suzuki Wagon Solio Introduced in Japan, Go On Sale on January 2011 | Suzuki is now ready to introduce a new Solio 2011 model into the Japanese market. The model, which first arrived on the international market back in 1997, has a box-shaped hatch-back body with a clear focus on interior space. The 2011 Solio model promises better fuel economy and more cabin room than its predecessor, and also comes with sliding doors on both sides for easier access to the back seats in crammed car-parks.

The new model will arrive in Suzuki’s Japanese dealers starting January 7th, 2011. It has been developed as a tall, compact wagon that’s user-friendly and offers good fuel efficiency figures. Convenient left- and right-hand rear sliding doors are complemented by a one-touch double-folding rear seat that permits a variety of seat arrangements. The body of the car is compact, measuring just 3,710 mm (146 inches) in length and 1,660 mm (65 inches) in width. The small wagon will only be available with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 91HP, combined with a CVT and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Suzuki created the new Solio to be an ideal choice for Japanese customers looking to move upscale from minicars and for those looking to downsize to a more compact model. Suzuki expects the new Solio to join the Swift as a pillar of its sales growth in the compact category. The Japanese carmaker is targeting domestic yearly sales figures of 12,000 Solios.

Shortly after the announcement of the new model, Suzuki and Mitsubishi have released a joint statement revealing that the two companies have mutually agreed on the OEM supply of the vehicle to Mitsubishi. The agreement, which is meant to improve its productivity and lower production and development costs, will see Suzuki deliver 800 Solios per month to Mitsubishi, beginning with spring 2011.

New Suzuki Wagon Solio reported has been introduced in Japan.
The car comes with engine 1.2 liter powerfull but fuel economize 22.5 km per liter or 1:22.5.

This car is higher than the previous variants and has a sliding door o on the passenger door both right and left door.

The Solio measures 3,710mm in length and will be available exclusively with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine producing 91HP, linked to a CVT and either front- or optionally, four-wheel drive. The Japanese automaker said it targets domestic yearly sales of around 12,000 units.
Solio reported also would labeled with Mitsubishi after Suzuki signed the agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Source : www.autoevolution.com

2001 Suzuki GSX-R/4 Concept

Auto Car | 2001 Suzuki GSX-R/4 Concept | This unique concept car brings together a compact car driven by a Hayabusa engine borrowed fom the GSX1300R. Suzuki says motorcycle technology has been adopted in every area of the GSXR4.

The 2001 GSX-R/4 concept was a Suzuki concept car designed to unite driver to machine in a way no other conventional sports car had done before. It offered nimble and direct drivability utilising Suzuki's motorcycle expertise in producing high-performance small engines, and Suzuki's weight-saving technologies developed as a manufacturer of compact automotive vehicles.

The 1.3-liter engine of the GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle - mounted in the mid-rear of the sports car - revs quickly up to its 11,000 rpm redline. On tap is 173 horsepower at 9,800 rpm, generated with the help of double overhead cams, 16 valves, an 11:1 compression ratio, liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection. The power from the GSX-R/4 engine is directed through a smooth, hand-shifted six-speed sequential transmission, and the transfer unit, linked to the output shaft of the transmission, lets the driver shift into reverse.

Introduced in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa shattered superbike performance records and established itself as the fastest mass-produced street machine in history. Top magazines radar-gunned the Hayabusa at 194 mph, and clocked it in the nine-second range through the quarter-mile. The Suzuki's raw power and slick, wind-tunnel-crafted bodywork placed it on top of the motorcycle performance mountain and generated a cult following in the two-wheeled world.

With an estimated maximum speed of 140 mph, the GSX-R/4 sports car includes distinctive exterior design with an aluminum frame, exposed spring and damper units, easy-to-tune and height-adjustable suspension and detachable, lightweight, recycled-plastic body panels for easy customizing.

For the interior, designers chose light and supportive bucket seats for agility and comfort, as well as storage space behind the seats for helmets. As an added perk, the vehicle has a Wrist Mount System - sponsored by Seiko Instruments Inc. - that serves as a door-lock release, driver identification, wireless communication tool and hands-free mobile phone.

The multi-featured GSX-R/4 concept car combined Suzuki's automotive and motorcycle technologies to create a one-of-a-kind high-performance vehicle using the 1.3-liter 173 horsepower engine of the GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle to create a high-tech, aluminium-framed, light weight 640 kilogram two-seater sportscar capable of 140 mph and motorcycle-like acceleration. With the rumours already strong that a production version of the outrageous B-King concept motorcycle will be announced at the show with a 1500cc motor, use of the same motor would see the GSX-R/4 with more than 200 horses plus the same array of intelligent electronics that adjust the car to the driver’s style.

Specifications

engine Hayabusa Inline-4
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement 1298 cc / 79.2 cu in
bore 81 mm / 3.19 in
stroke 63 mm / 2.48 in
power 130.5 kw / 175.0 bhp @ 9800 rpm
hp per litre 134.82 bhp per litre
bhp/weight
torque 138 nm / 101.8 ft lbs @ 7000 rpm
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Vented Discs
front wheels F 50.8 x 16.5 cm / 20.0 x 6.5 in
rear wheels R 50.8 x 16.5 cm / 20.0 x 6.5 in
front tire size 185/45R20
rear tire size 195/45R20
weight 640 kg / 1411 lbs
length 3550 mm / 139.8 in
width 1730 mm / 68.1 in
height 1010 mm / 39.8 in
transmission 6-Speed Sequential

Source : www.gizmag.com

2003 Suzuki Landbreeze

Auto Car | 2003 Suzuki Landbreeze | Another example of Suzuki’s trademark fun and versatility is the LANDBREEZE compact SUV, created to enjoy and harmonize with nature. Constructed of naturally recyclable materials and powered by a clean-running hybrid engine system, the LANDBREEZE brings that great outdoors feeling into daily life like a refreshing breeze.

Measures to facilitate entry and exit give all passengers, even small children, smooth access to the wilderness. Inside the bright, spacious cabin, a dome-shaped monitor on the dashboard shows two different images, simultaneously offering navigation guidance for the driver and nature information for the passenger.

Japan has not escaped the SUV craze, but on this crowded archipelago with little or no wide-open wilderness to explore off-road, small SUVs appeal to a wider slice of the ute-buying public. This tiny 2+2-door Suzuki runabout promises easy maneuverability and parking (it's 14 inches shorter than a Jeep Wrangler), along with fuel-efficient hybrid-drive performance. It's also intended to be mostly recyclable, with an aluminum-intensive body and chassis and tires made of all-natural non-petroleum-based materials.

Source : www.topspeed.com

2003 Suzuki Mobile Terrace

Auto Car | 2003 Suzuki Mobile Terrace |  As its name implies, the Mobile Terrace fuel-cell vehicle can be used to create a relaxing personalized space anywhere you go. At favourite destinations, the sliding doors on both sides and the gullwing roof can be opened wide and the floor extended outward, while the seats rotate around a table which slides out from the instrument panel. This innovative package in the four-meter-long body features an underfloor fuel-cell system based on GM's 'Hy-wire' platform and optimized by Suzuki to suit small cars.

If Toyota's PM concept earned the Most Bizarre Concept honors, this glass microbus from Suzuki is the undisputed runner up. It looks like it could be driven in either direction, and perhaps this fully drive-by-wire vehicle could. It's constructed on a scaled-down version of global partner GM's Hy-wire fuel-cell electric hybrid concept (the one in which all the running gear is packaged in a skateboard-like rolling chassis to which different bodies can be docked).

Six seats in three rows can face forward, or, when parked, the "dash board" can be converted to a narrow table that can be relocated to the center of the vehicle, with all chairs facing it for kind of a tiny portable boardroom effect. We were especially fond of the shag carpet. Only in Tokyo

Source : www.caranddriver.com

Suzuki Reno Tuner Concept

Auto Car | Suzuki Reno Tuner Concept |  The Reno is fast enough, roomy enough, comfortable enough, reliable enough, and good-looking enough. What more does one person need? I'm sorry Aaron has deemed himself above the common folk who just need basic transportation. (Editor's note: BJ has never seen my own car, a 1989 Honda CRX that qualifies for federal disaster aid.) There's nothing wrong with vanilla ice cream, voting middle of the road, or having 2.3 kids.

I like the hatchback look. I grew up with one (a Ford Pinto, but don't spread that around) and think they're practical and cute. So it doesn't have big 18" wheels and tires (the 15s were more than adequate and looked proportional) or is dripping with technogadgets. It does have foglamps and a power tilt/slide sunroof as standard, which is more than a lot of its competitors.

If you do want to personalize, take a cue from Suzuki's own modified Reno, the Suzuki Tuner Concept, with 17" 7-spoke black Primax wheels, custom paint, custom cross-drilled disc brake rotors, and a Yoshimura custom cat-back exhaust system. This just proves the theory that the best looking models are the ones that start out relatively plain. Oops! I'm slipping into my import tuner mode. Let's get back to discussing the production version.

There are a lot of vehicles in the subcompact segment. Both domestic and import manufacturers know that this is where the brand loyalty starts for a lot of customers. Get them in a product early at the high school/college level, and if they're happy, you might have just earned a customer for life. The basic Reno starts at $13,449 (even as low at $11,949 now with some rebates happening), but that still includes a long list of features like the four airbags, disc brakes, air conditioning and power stuff with heated mirrors.

I briefly mentioned the warranty in the introduction, but I think it's worth revisiting. A loaner vehicle for warranty repairs? That's going above and beyond, and caring about the customer. It's been fun watching Suzuki come up with bigger and better products, and I know for a fact (but can't quite share with you right now) that there are exciting products on the way from this competitive manufacturer.

If you like working a 9 to 5 job because you have your weekends free, or think it's fun to spend evenings at home with the family and not at some trendy hot spot, and prefer a calm, sane lifestyle versus always chasing the next fad, look at the Suzuki Reno; it might just be your true hero vehicle.

Source : cars.about.com

2005 Suzuki Ionis Concept

Auto Car | 2005 Suzuki Ionis Concept | The Suzuki Ionis is a hydrogen concept minivan that made its first public appearance at the Tokyo Auto Show in October of 2005. Like several other concept cars displayed at the Tokyo show, the Suzuki Ionis mini-MPV (multi-purpose van) features hydrogen fuel cell technology. The car is shaped like a minivan, except in the front, where it is rounded. According to designers, it is supposed to look like flowing water, although some critics have said that the front of the car more closely resembles a fish head.

Despite the fact that this car in neither available for purchase nor will be in production any time in the near future, this car shows exactly where car companies are headed with regards to overcoming the obstacles that exist in getting fuel cell technology to the mass market.

The styling of the front end has a peculiar theme which is not immediately apparent. It's kind of like one of those 3D posters where if you blur your eyes you see the picture. Well blur your eyes while looking at the Suzuki Ionis and you'll either see an unhappy fish or a slightly disgruntled alien.

The design of the Ionis is quite unique in the small car segment. It has a monobox layout and bold styling cues like the aforementioned face, and chunky silver windscreen and roof surround.

Access to the interior is via four sliding doors. The front doors move forward, while the rear doors slide backwards. Once inside it's immediately obvious that the interior design is just as daring and futuristic as the exterior.

The driver gets an aircraft-yoke style steering wheel, and a multi-panel TFT monitor instead of conventional dashboard instrumentation. The seats can be rearranged and moved in a variety of ways to configure the interior for either people or cargo hauling duties.

The major advancement that has been made in the Suzuki Ionis is making the fuel cell itself much smaller and positioning it underneath the cabin floor. This means that the interior space in the car is much bigger. The Suzuki Ionis at only 134-inches long can seat four adults comfortably. It has four sliding doors to maximize access. In addition, and like other hydrogen fuel cell offerings, Suzuki has utilized LED lighting for its lighting system, giving both a futuristic appearance and big energy savings.

Although the Suzuki Ionis hydrogen car is innovative for the glimpse it offers consumers at what they can expect in a fuel cell vehicle, there are many other innovative features that the Suzuki Ionis offers. For one thing, the LED system does not just make for an attractive dashboard as the same system is used in the DVD and entertainment center in the back seat of the car. Televisions in cars aren't really a new concept anymore, but they are in a car this size that is considered to be compact. You can also use the Internet in this hydrogen car, using a satellite link to the World Wide Web. Its possible to download music to play on your car stereo system and you can even watch satellite television in addition to any DVD's.

Anther major advancement in the Suzuki Ionis is the use of by-wire technology, created by General Motors. By-wire technology allows all the functions that normally clutter up the area by the driver, such as the steering column and gearshift, to be controlled by the push of a button. Features that are controlled by by-wire include the brakes, the throttle, and steering. This frees up even more space in the car, allowing passengers to get the most room for the size of the car.

Source : www.hydrogencarsnow.com

Suzuki S-Ride

Auto Car | Suzuki S-Ride | The Suzuki S-Ride is a concept aimed at the idea of replacing the rather ‘unsafe’ motorcycle as the urban mode of transportation. The S-Ride has a rear mounted engine, two seats (fighter jet style), aluminum outer shell, and motorcycle-like handling. It even sports a fighter jet canopy!

The S-RIDE, created with the concept 'an active commuting car as an urban transportation tool,' is an urban commuting car targeted to young people and which presents motorcycle-like driving enjoyment together with the practicality of an automobile. In the aluminium outer shell two seats are arranged in tandem layout; its engine is mounted amidships, toward the rear. The S-RIDE also offers a suggestion for the future of 'telematics' - the technology which has gained increased attention in recent years.

The car has two seats only, which is one in the front and one is in the back, making it a perfect vehicle for taking your only significant other for a joy ride.

The little space-age-looking design is aimed at the younger crowds, who’re so fond of getting themselves in the high speed riding excitement with a motorbike. But, the S-Ride gives you the safety of a car.

Currently, Suzuki is still experimenting with other futuristic features on this motorbike-liked car, including features such as telematic communication, presumably between vehicles and for road information.

Source : www.techchee.com

Concept Cars: Suzuki LC

Auto Car | Concept Cars: Suzuki LC | The Suzuki LC shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show is a charming, if somewhat offbeat, retro city car concept. The Suzuki LC concept takes its inspiration from Suzuki's first car, the Suzulight from 1955.

The 'cute' design of the Suzuki LC uses simple rounded shapes and minimal decoration to create a distinctly friendly appearance. Inside, the LC's two passengers are offered plaid patterned seats and a spartan dashboard.

Just fit for you. With unpretentiously cute styling and charming details, the Suzuki LC is a friendly mini car that’s ready to put a smile on your face. The more you experience the Suzuki LC, the more it will endear itself to you. Its charmingly styled body, mirrors, switches, and seats are all signs of a fun-loving personality.

The Suzuki LC Concept is a K-car concept designed to target the segment that loves the Austin Mini’s design cues, much alike the Daihatsu Mira Gino. The Suzuki LC Concept is a two-seater powered by a 660cc 3 cylinder DOHC engine, paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission I heard. Great for zipping through Tokyo’s streets.

The Suzuki LC Concept is actually a reincarnation of their old 1960s model Suzuki Suzulight mini car. The Suzuki Suzulight was the very first car that Suzuki built. It was the car that started their business. It was powered by a 2-stroke 360cc engine.

Powered by a 660cc, 3 cylinder engine, the Suzuki LC is the sort of car it would be fun to see occasionally on the road, just for pure novelty value. But no self-respecting male would ever lay down a deposit.

The Suzuki LC is a fun, completely harmless, and friendly design study destined to live only as a concept.

Source : www.diseno-art.com

2005 Suzuki Wave Grand Vitara

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