- Suzuki debuts sportbike-inspired SXForce based on all-new 2008 SX4 Sport
- SX4 WRC and Grand Vitara Dune appeal to off-road enthusiasts
- Five-door SX4 Crossover flaunts concept- and production-based accessory
line
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- American Suzuki Motor Corp.
showcases four spirited and dynamic vehicles at the 2007 Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, including its
never-before-seen, sportbike-inspired SXForce LIVE vehicle based on the
all-new 2008 four-door SX4 Sport. A vehicle designed for four-wheel and
two-wheel tuner enthusiasts, SXForce communicates Suzuki's "Way of Life"
brand philosophy as a company that builds fun-to-operate vehicles, from its
widely recognized and high-performance motorcycles to its exciting and
versatile cars and SUVs.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/suzuki/30370/
To further demonstrate the company's bold and adventurous DNA, Suzuki
displays its SX4 WRC car and rugged Grand Vitara Dune LIVE vehicle -- two
Suzuki machines designed for ultimate off-road performance. In addition,
Suzuki offers aftermarket enthusiasts a sneak preview of a number of
performance-based concept accessories -- specifically developed for this
year's show -- and an array of style-enhancing Genuine Suzuki Accessories
for its 2008 five-door SX4 Crossover.
"Suzuki always looks forward to SEMA because of its upbeat and somewhat
irreverent energy," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR,
American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The overall enthusiasm for cars and
for life that underlies the entire event meshes perfectly with our brand
philosophy and parallels the passion infused into the concepts we have on
display this year and the vehicles currently in our showrooms."
SXForce
With the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport, Suzuki expands its highly
popular and 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, Suzuki introduces the SXForce,
a sportbike-inspired concept based on the on the 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. The 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. 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.
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 high controllability under a
wide range of rally conditions, this creation by Suzuki Sport, Suzuki's
motorsports division, has involved an extensive testing program 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 well regarded for similar reasons.
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, and its 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 2,500mm, stands 1,450mm 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 the early stages of 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.
Grand Vitara Dune
First introduced at the 2005 SEMA Show, the Grand Vitara Dune is
designed for off-road enthusiasts who demand off-road capabilities.
Well-equipped with 11.5 inches of minimum ground clearance and a towing
capacity of 3,000 lbs., the Dune provides enough muscle to add a huge dose
of exhilaration to any weekend. This Grand Vitara concept also features
off-road skid plates, fender flares, wear-reducing cladding and running
boards, all dressed in lightning yellow paint to match the color scheme of
Suzuki ATVs. Roomy on the inside, the five-passenger Dune features a rear
off-road gear storage and "mobile garage" work station, ideal for
last-minute adjustments. The Dune also is equipped with a built-in GPS and
navigation system.
SX4 Crossover Accessories
To complement Suzuki's versatile, stylish product line, the company
offers an array of Genuine Suzuki Accessories - a line of style-enhancing
trim packages and accessories designed to personalize Suzuki cars and SUVs
sold in the United States. Suzuki showcases a number of pre-production
performance- enhancing parts and interior and exterior accessories for the
sporty SX4 Crossover.
Concept Accessories:
-- Cat back Exhaust -- Features stainless steel design, improves
horsepower and offers deep performance tone that remains 50 state
"sound level legal."
-- Cold Air Intake -- Intake system improves horsepower and offers
performance pitch.
-- Sport Suspension -- Lowers ride height (approx. 1.5 inches) for a
firmer ride.
-- Alloy Wheels -- Custom-designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels,
available in a chrome finish or machined surface with black paint.
Includes chrome lug nuts and Suzuki center cap.
Genuine Suzuki Accessories:
-- Rear Spoiler -- Rally-inspired rear deck spoiler is molded in sturdy,
lightweight polyurethane and is available color-matched to the SX4
Crossover.
-- Hood Mask -- Custom-fit hood mask made of durable vinyl and soft fleece
backing helps protect the front of the SX4 Crossover from damage caused
by minor road debris.
-- Silver Finish Front Grille -- Front grille replaces original black
version and matches the lower bumper trim on the SX4 Crossover.
-- Carbon Fiber Dash Trim (Red) -- Dash trim accents made of real
carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and
screened SX4 logo are available in three different colors to coordinate
or contrast with the interior of the SX4 Crossover. Trim fits both
automatic and manual transmission models.
-- Carbon Fiber Door Sill Trim (Red) -- Door sill accents made of real
carbon-fiber weave material with an exterior-grade urethane topcoat and
screened SX4 logo are available in three different carbon-fiber weave
colors or a brushed aluminum finish to coordinate or contrast with the
interior of the SX4 Crossover.
-- Billet Sport Pedals -- Sport pedal set, including dead pedal, is made
of lightweight aluminum and non-slip rubber inserts, offering a highly
polished look with engraved Suzuki logo.
-- Billet Battery Tie Down & Billet Oil Cap (Sold as a package) -- Highly
polished aluminum battery tie down and oil filler cap with engraved
Suzuki logo to dress up your engine bay.
-- Blueconnect(R), Bluetooth Phone System -- Speaker- and
microphone-integrated communication system that offers wireless
interaction with any bluetooth-compatible cell phone, allowing dialing
and hands-free communication with the touch of a button. Installation
required (for non-sunroof models only).
-- Rear Bumper Protector -- Adhesive-backed applique to help protect from
minor nicks and scratches.
2008 Suzuki Auto Product Line
Beyond its show vehicles based on the spirited four-door SX4 Sport,
bold and functional five-door SX4 Crossover and rugged Grand Vitara compact
SUV, Suzuki Auto's 2008 vehicle line includes the exciting XL7 midsize SUV,
popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, and the European-styled Reno.
Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of toughness,
leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All
2008 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a
100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain
limited warranty.
About Suzuki Auto
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor
Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation
(SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a
network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in
Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and
outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new
automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has
operations in 187 countries. For more information, visit
http://www.media.suzukiauto.com.
SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.media.suzukiauto.com
CONTACT:
Beth Borozan of American Suzuki Public
Relations, +1-714-996-7040, ext. 2464, autopr@suz.com; or Andrew
Nicolai of PainePR, +1-949-809-6786, anicolai@painepr.com for
American Suzuki
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