- Filed under: Economy, Videos, SMART, Suzuki, Motorcycles
Click above to watch the video of a stunting smartabusa
Stunting on a Suzuki Hayabusa is crazy in its own right, but stunting in a smart fortwo? Now that takes some real effort. While the bike's got the power to wheelie all day long and its dual front discs are more than powerful enough to raise the rear tire just as far as your guts allow, that's not really the bike's intent. Still, it's much more suitable for the activity than the smart fortwo with its lazy 70-hp three-cylinder and skinny tires, right? Well, maybe not. Take a good look at the video after the break for visual proof that the smart, when properly equipped, makes a fine stunt ride. Of course, in this situation, properly equipped equals a major horsepower infusion via the aforementioned Suzuki Hayabusa, along with some major front brake modifications. Seriously, ever see a smart fortwo perform a tail-whip? Neither had we, until today.
[Source: Autofiends]Continue reading VIDEO: Hayabusa-powered smart , or... a rolling death-wish on skinny tires
VIDEO: Hayabusa-powered smart , or... a rolling death-wish on skinny tires originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: GM, Suzuki, Earnings/Financials
General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner mentioned last week that, in addition to selling the HUMMER brand, other assets were being evaluated for sale, as well. While no other brands are likely to be sold off besides HUMMER, GM did announce this morning that it's selling all of its remaining stock in Suzuki. GM owns 16,413,000 Suzuki shares, which is about 3% of the Japanese automaker's traded stock. The value of the sale is estimated at $230 million, all of which should help keep the lights on at GM for an extra day or two if some form of government aid isn't approved this week by Congress.
Despite selling off its remaining interest in Suzuki, GM is still very much interested in continuing the two automakers' working relationship and may end up repurchasing a stake in the future. The giant American carmaker's interest in its Japanese competitor has fluctuated over the years, peaking in 2001 when it held over 20% of Suzuki's outstanding shares. In 2006, however, it sold 17.4% before today's unloading of the remaining 3%.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading GM selling remaining Suzuki stake for $230M
GM selling remaining Suzuki stake for $230M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Suzuki
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP
For the 2009 model year, Suzuki will begin offering navigation as standard equipment on all SX4 Sport models. Starting at a buck under 16K, the new 'Zook is the cheapest car in America so equipped, and that news was very well received by the media and car shoppers alike. In fact, so positive was the response, the decision was made to begin offering the GPS navigation about six months early as part of the TRIP package. We were intrigued by the idea of a low-cost commuter car coming standard with such a desirable feature, so we decided to procure one such TRIP-equipped 2008.5 SX4 Sport for testing. Is the navigation nothing more than a gimmick to get you into a sub-standard car, or does the SX4 have more going for it than just being well equipped? Read on to find out.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Suzuki
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki Kizashi
When the Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept bowed in New York, we were smitten by the sedan's aggressive lines and low-slung stance. But after seeing some rudimentary patent drawings of the production model, we were seriously concerned that everything we loved about Suzuki's new sedan would be lost in translation. Finally, some glimmer of hope has arrived.
KGP caught a Kizashi mule in Germany before it set off on its mandatory 'Ring run, and with a modicum of camo and some artfully placed tape, the prototype laid most of our concerns to rest.
Although the exaggerated shape and massive fender flares of the concept has been eschewed for something a bit more sedate, the majority of the lines remain, along with the sculpted headlamps and broad rear shoulders. Unfortunately, things begin to go slightly awry in the rear, where the chunky C-pillar and 1-series look-alike lights join an upkicked trunk and a bulbous bumper. But overall, our gripes are minor, and with power rumored to be provided by either a 300 hp, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 driving all four wheels or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting power down to the front rollers, we think this might be the first in a string of new models from Suzuki that could finally bring it up to par with its cross-town competitors in Japan.
Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Suzuki, Motorcycles
Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000
The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been around since 2001, replacing the venerable 1100 sportbike that couldn't quite match the performance of the sensational Yamaha R1 that was introduced in 1998. Ever since, the big Gixxer has been battling it out with the other Japanese literbikes for the outright performance crown. For 2009, the model gets evolutionary changes that are meant to eke that extra bit of speed out of the platform, which has shed a few pounds off the slightly porky model of the past few years. One instantly recognizable update is the new dual exhaust cans, now made from titanium in a very swoopy shape. There's a slight bump in the engine's compression, which now has larger titanium valves for better breathing potential. The front forks also come from Showa and feature the firm's new Big Piston technology. All in all, it may not be as flashy as the ABS-equipped CBR from Honda or the new crossplane crank from Yamana, but Suzuki's definitely been in-the-hunt these last few years. We'll see how things play out on the track and on the sales floor soon enough. (NOTE: pics are of European model, we're still waiting for Suzuki to release images of U.S.-spec version.)
[Source: Suzuki]Suzuki unveils 2009 GSX-R1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Wagons/Estates, Japan, Suzuki
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Suzuki Wagon R Stingray
As of today, Suzuki has a new Wagon R on the market in Japan. It's joined by a new Wagon R Stingray variant (above) as well, and the duo will set about filling the shoes of their bestselling predecessors. The new Wagon Rs don't lose their signature boxiness, but they wear all-new sheetmetal and sit on a longer wheelbase. The standard Wagon R gets a friendly face with large, tall headlamps, while the sportier-themed Wagon R Stingray gets a chrome grille strip that runs between its thinner, horizontal lamps.
The rest follows the standard kei-car formula. Darker, more masculine colors characterize the Stingray, while the Wagon R clearly includes women in its target audience, sporting a color palette loaded with the lighter solids and pastels. Normally-aspirated and turbocharged 660cc engines are offered, mated to either 4- or 5-speed automatics or a CVT, depending on trim level. The turbocharged Stingray with CVT even gets paddle shifters to give drivers complete control over the 64 ponies corraled underhood. A snazzier, dark interior with some nifty lighting is also available in the Stingray.
Suzuki hopes to sell 18,000 new Wagon Rs every month, and if the previous generation showed us anything, we can expect to see a variety of spinoff models over time.
[Source: Suzuki]Suzuki releases new Wagon R, Wagon R Stingray originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Suzuki, First Drive
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Suzuki Equator
Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That's a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow's first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.
All Photos (C) Copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator
First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki, Motorcycles, Special/Limited Editions
Loris Capirossi, who usually races on two wheels in MotoGP, will give it a go on four wheels, though he'll be remaining loyal to the Suzuki brand in the process. The race will take place on November 8 in Aldershot, U.K. as part of the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup rally racing series that we told you about last April. The Italian motorcycle racer has driven in rally events in the past, but his low experience level against the talented crew of professional rally drivers will make the successful MotoGP racer a major underdog. As an added bonus, Capirossi will race against his motorcycling boss, Paul Denning, who is also racing as a guest at the Tempest Rally. That should be fun.
It isn't that uncommon for racers from one sport to take part in another. Recent examples such as Travis Pastrana and Michael Schumacher prove that success in one discipline can in fact equal a measure of success in another. For his part, Loris says he'll do his best to be competitive. We wish Capirossi the best, but we expect him to be back on his factory Suzuki GSV-R mount in short order.
[Source: Motorcycle.com]Loris Capirossi to race on four wheels in the Suzuki Tempest Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Suzuki
Click above to view the Suzuki Kizashi drawings in high-res
The European patent office has revealed a few outline drawings of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi mid-sizer that the Japanese automaker, more often associated with high-performance motorcycles, hopes will compete head-on with the best in the world. The Kizashi could be a make-it or break-it type vehicle for Suzuki, which sells huge numbers of very small cars in Japan but has only a small foothold in the United States. These drawings seem to indicate that the Kizashi will keep some of its styling cues intact, though it also looks as if it could be mistaken for a Chevy Malibu from some angles.
When Suzuki releases the Kizashi to the general public, which some speculate could be as early as the Paris Motor Show next month, it will be equipped with both four-cylinder and V6 engine options with up to 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive. Specs like that ought to strike some fear into the established players if Suzuki is able to keep the price down. Stay tuned.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]Euro patent drawings reveal production Suzuki Kizashi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Trucks/Pickups, Nissan, Suzuki
A production Suzuki Equator has been snapped while hanging out in California, and the nose job looks successful. The Equator is virtually pure Nissan Frontier, besides the front sheetmetal, but that's not a bad thing. The Frontier is a handsome 2/3rds scale Titan, probably the most attractive of the "compact" pickups. Configurations will mirror the Frontier, too, with 2wd and 4wd models motivated by Nissan's big 2.5-liter four or 4.0-liter V6. Both extended and crew cab setups will be on offer for buyers needing space, and we're waiting for the 'Zuki pickup to hit stores this fall so we can check out interior fitment and prices.
[Source: Automobile]Spy Shots: Suzuki Equator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Suzuki, India
Click above for two high-res shots of the new Suzuki Alto
Suzuki will bring its seventh-generation Alto to the Paris Motor Show this October, featuring stylistic and powertrain upgrades to compete with the best and brightest from the budget-oriented, compact class. Based on the A-Star concept introduced at last year's New Delhi Motor Show, the new model will be built in India by Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant, and will likely packing a 1.0-liter engine which should make Euro V emissions regulations a breeze to exceed. Expect the new Alto to find its largest market in India, along with limited sales throughout Europe. For an economy car, it's a pretty decent looker from what we can tell from the two shots Suzuki's released ahead of the show, and we expect it will find plenty of buyers looking for a relatively cheap way to get around. Check the press release after the break for more.
Gallery: Paris Preview: Suzuki Alto
[Source: Suzuki]Continue reading Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris
Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Suzuki
Suzuki has teased us with three separate Kizashi concept cars and finally told us that a production vehicle based on the last concept would be coming to America in 2010. Work is apparently underway on the new Camcord competitor, and proof of Suzuki's efforts have appeared in a Southern California parking lot. Although the entire car is covered in camo, a few subtle details, including the grille and profile, appear to keep with the original concept, which garnered a substantial amount of acclaim when it was originally unveiled.
As pointed out by Autofiends, the Kizashi sedan looks a bit smaller than the vehicles it will be competing against, particularly when you consider that the Honda Accord has grown so large that it's now classified as a full-size car, akin to the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. We welcome the idea of a smaller and sportier option, especially one equipped with an offshoot of GM's 3.6-liter V6, which is expected to join Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive when the production Kizashi debuts next year.
[Source: Autofiends]Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi prowls the strip mall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Japan, Suzuki
As Autoblog's resident kei car fanboy, I like to share news and links about the diminutive forbidden-fruit rides whenever something interesting pops on the radar, like yesterday. Today, it's just a photo, courtesy of the gang at Speedhunters. The tiny kei pickup is a Suzuki Carry, which, in the hands of a normal business owner, does precisely that. This one's obviously a wee bit more specialized though, as the rear wing and roll bar suggest. This little work truck's job is drifting. It might look wrong, but there's something so right about it. Who says you need triple-digit horsepower to have fun?
[Source: Speedhunters]Suzuki Carry drifter: it's O-KEI! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki
As previously reported, Suzuki has decided to include navigation on its SX4 Sport and Crossover before you make the first mark on the options list. That will make the $15,999 car the lowest priced car in America to come standard with talking maps. And now they're set to arrive in the SX4 Special Editions that arrive in Suzuki showrooms this month.
To recap, the nav system is called TRIP -- Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play -- and incorporates several Microsoft features. Drivers can get traffic info, weather reports, headline news, stock quotes, movie listings, the lowest priced gas in the area, and directions to 500 nationwide Suzuki dealerships. If buyers go for the expansion module, they'll also get Fodor guide reviews of eateries and nightlife spots. It sounds like an awful lot to do in such a little car, but that's the march of progress.
[Source: Suzuki]Suzuki SX4 Special Edition gets TRIP navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Suzuki
Porsche and Suzuki rarely come up in the same breath, but here is something they both share: neither will be in Cobo Hall when the Detroit Auto Show opens in January. Joining the Stuttgart sportscar/SUV/SUS maker in skipping the show, Suzuki has said that they are pulling out for a slightly different reason. Whereas Porsche had said that Detroit wasn't a very important market for them, Suzuki is saying they didn't like the space they were offered. Here, Suzuki is hitting closer to what many people feel is the real problem with Cobo, there just isn't enough room. It's a fine hall with a storied past, and as a journalist it's nice to be able to get to any press conference within a minute from the media center, but it's not very big compared to the other halls around the world. With a name like "2009 North American International Auto Show" it needs more square-footage. It's still the most important auto show in the country, if not the world, and maybe losing Suzuki and Porsche don't hurt it too much, but this move by Suzuki could be marking a trend that can only be stopped with a major expansion. Back in January, we mentioned that a plan is being formulated to expand Cobo Hall, but the project is still in the financing stage as far as we know. Hopefully something can be done before long to save this great show's reputation.
[Source: Detroit News]Suzuki bows out of 2009 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'SUZUKI' Category
Tuesday, January 15th, 2008
Chicago Auto Show
That corner of an illustration we brought you of the 2008 Suzuki Equator is apparently for real, so we’ve decided to bring you the full monty. As previously reported, we’re going to see this Frontier-based Suzuki rolling off the assembly line this fall. So if you’re in the market for a likely cheaper, non-Nissan badged pickup truck with a Dave-worthy grille, this might be worth waiting for. We’ll be seeing this sucker for real at next week’s Chicago Auto Show.
Posted in World Cars, Cargo cars, Automotive News, SUZUKI | No Comments »
Monday, October 8th, 2007
Filed under: Concept Cars, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki
When was the last time you used “Suzuki” and “awesome” in a sentence and weren’t talking about a motorcycle? Well, get ready to do it now. Behold the Suzuki X-HEAD, one of several new concept vehicles the automaker will be showing off at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show. Looking like it’s ready to punch a HUMMER in the mouth and audition for a part in Transformers 2, the mega-trick-looking X-HEAD (dig the “X” tread pattern on the rubber) is all about flexibility (we think). If we’re reading the Google-translated press release correctly, the “X” in its name signifies the unknown — as in unknown or unlimited number of uses. Figure it could be everything from a camper, to a pickup, to a rescue vehicle and beyond. This, from a company whose bread-and-butter is kei cars? A round of applause is in order for this Eastern take on our childhood Tonka fantasies. We’ll be sure to bring you more on this one from the show floor next month.
[Source: Suzuki]
Posted in World Cars, Cargo cars, Automotive News, SUZUKI, Trucks, Pickups | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 17th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Aerio
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Aerio (2004-) ()
Suzuki Liana (Europe)
Liana (2004-) ()
Suzuki Aerio Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.3 16v
1.4 DDiS - 1.4 16v CRD
1.5 16v aut.
1.5 16v aut. 4WD
1.6 16v 4WD
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.8 16v aut.
1.8 16v aut. 4WD
2.3 16v aut.
2.3 16v aut. 4WD
2.3 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 5d
(2004 - )
Limousine 4d
(2004 - )
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 17th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Alto
Info: 6th generation Alto, based on a new platform offers cheekier styling and more interior space. This model will not be exported.
Available version:
0.7 12v 3s-aut.
0.7 12v 4WD
0.7 12v 4WD 3s-aut.
0.7 12v 4WD aut.
0.7 12v aut.
0.7 12v
Variation:
Hatchback 5d (2004 - )
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
Monday, September 16th, 2002
Details info: Suzuki Escudo (Mk.II.)
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Suzuki Escudo (Mk.II.) SUV 5d
Alternative names:
Suzuki Vitara (Canada)
Suzuki Grand Nomade XL-7(Grand Escudo) (Chile)
Suzuki Grand Escudo XL-7 (Asia)
Chevrolet Grand Vitara (Chevrolet - Argentina)
Grand Vitara (1998-) ()
Suzuki Grand Vitara (Australia)
Chevrolet Tracker (CAMI - Canada)
Chevrolet Tracker (Brazil)
Vitara - Grand Vitara (1998-) ()
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.0 16v
2.0 16v 4wd 103 kW
2.0 16v 4wd 94 kW
2.0 16v 4wd aut. 103 kW
2.0 16v 4wd aut. 94kW
2.0 HDI
2.0 HDI aut.
2.0 TDI 64kW
2.0 TDI 80 kW
2.0 TDI aut. 64kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd 106 kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd aut. 106kW
2.5 V6 24v 4wd aut. 118 kW
2.5 V6 24v aut. 118 kW
Previous version:
Variation:
Suzuki (Japan) Grand Escudo (Mk.II. Facelift)
SUV 5d
(1997 - )
SUV 5d
(Helly Hansen - S Limited)
(2002 - )
SUV 3d
(1997 - 2003)
SUV 5d
(Grand Escudo)
(2000 - 2003)
SUV Cabrio
(1997 - 2003)
Info:
This is Suzuki’s mainstream 4WD vehicle. It has been marketed under the brand identity of a “cross-country sedan”. The Escudo comes in 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engine versions. The 3-door versions are equipped with 1.6-liter engines, while the 5-door versions are fitted with a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine. Even for the V6 2.5-liter version, the sticker price remains just over the 2 million yen mark. Suzuki refined the Escudo in December 2000.
Assembly Plants:
Chevrolet (Argentina)
Chevrolet (Ecuador)
Chevrolet (Venezuela)
Prince Motors (Taiwan)
Suzuki (Indonesia)
Donors:
Posted in SUZUKI | No Comments »
