Concept Suzuki SX4 Models Underscore Lifestyle App

Concept Suzuki SX4 Models Underscore Lifestyle Appeal

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CONCEPT SUZUKI SX4 MODELS UNDERSCORE LIFESTYLE APPEAL

Two concept versions of the versatile Suzuki SX4 have heightened the lifestyle appeal and fun nature of the new global car.

Both the Suzuki Zuk and SXbox are based on the production SX4 five-door model that will be launched in New Zealand early this year.

The flamboyant pair were commissioned by Suzuki in North America as part of the introductory programme for the SX4, the lowest priced all-wheel-drive car in the United States.

Inspired by Suzuki’s championship-winning racing motorcycles, Zuk’s aggressive stance is set off by vibrant metallic blue paintwork and black roof section extending down the pillars to the bottom of the window line.

Suzuki Hayabusa and GSX-R motorcycle-like bodywork sets this SX4 apart. The car has ground effects bodywork and a special spoiler while the door mirrors are lifted straight from a GSX-R motorcycle.

Framing accent lights reinforce Zuk’s motorcycle theme and parts of the body kit have been purposely cut away to mimic the style where high performance motorcycles sport “exposed” sections peeking through the fairings.

Bold 19-inch diameter, four-spoke, eight inch wide aluminium alloy road wheels are fitted with Enkei RP03 245/40 series Toyo tyres and the braking system has been uprated with four-piston Rotora callipers at the front.

These large, cross-drilled disc brakes are designed to cope with the increased performance of the one-off Suzuki Zuk.

The car has a fully tuned sports suspension, with stiffer spring rates and shock absorbers, larger anti-roll bars and revised suspension geometry.

Road Race Motorsports of Sante Fe Springs in California built the special SX4, and extended the motorcycle theme inside the car.

A modern super bike-type space frame and roll cage dominates the interior. Zuk has a GSX-R motorcycle instrument cluster and racing bucket seats with charcoal and carbon fibre interior trim.

A street bike-inspired instrument panel has Zeitronic controller gauges with centre-mounted racing switches.

Machined aluminium driver and front passenger or navigator foot platforms complete the competition package.

Under the carbon fibre bonnet, the lightened Suzuki has more than twice the power of a production SX4.

The twin overhead camshaft J20A four-cylinder engine found in the standard SX4 models is retained.

However, this has been fitted with a turbocharger and intercooler with alcohol fuel injection system and modified engine management software.

Modified intake and Hayabusa exhaust manifolding have also improved efficiency, and the mighty 2-litre engine now produces 224 kW (300 brake horsepower) instead of 107 kW (143 bhp).

Meanwhile the SXbox adaptation of the SX4 is designed for video game enthusiasts, and subtle changes to the production car body have resulted in a stunning appearance.

There is recessed electroluminescent lighting and large alloy wheels finished in green to match the white body paintwork.

Suspension upgrades include optimised ride height, spring rates and shock valving and the twin exhaust pipes are mounted vertically.

A clamshell bonnet with integrated protection screen provides a hint to the car’s spectacular interior.

A dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 video game system is coupled with a close proximity digital projection system to display games or show DVD films on the inside of the car’s retractable bonnet.

A second Xbox 360 powers two separate LCD screens in the seatbacks for the rear seat passengers. If this is not enough, a 30-inch retractable rear projection screen is provided in the luggage area.

Force-feedback front seats have four wireless controllers, including a steering wheel mounted gaming control for the driver and a multi-channel surround sound system. These seats have hidden lighting to project the game station glow.

SXbox has a 2,000-watt multi-speaker surround sound system with wide frequency response and a thundering bass.

The grey and white interior boasts light green door inserts and electroluminescent-lit door panels. Colour and recessed LED emitters brighten the cabin.

Produced by ASC of Huntington Beach in California, SXBox also benefits from a mild performance upgrade, with revised induction and exhaust, suspension tweaks, multi-piston alloy brake callipers ands cross-drilled ventilated discs.

Of course this unique Suzuki that looks as though it has jumped straight off the screen and onto the street, also includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

A third specially developed SX4 destined for the race track has also been doing the motor show rounds in the United States.

Built by Marshall Pruett Motorsports Engineering (MPME) of San Jose, California, the SX4 GodKUKI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2-litre engine, developing 149 kW (200 bhp).

The GodKUKI conforms to US Touring Car Championship rules and has an uprated braking system, Recaro Profi racing seats, Rota racing wheels and Yokohama tyres.

This racing version of the SX4 is finished in Azure Grey with a greenish tint and is being campaigned at North American motor racing meetings.

In Japan the four-wheel-drive SX4 is being readied to compete in the 2008 World Rally Championship.

ENDS

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