American Suzuki will be back at the 2012 Super Bowl with a new commercial focused around the Kizashi sedan entitled ‘Sled’.

The new commercial shows the all-wheel-drive powers of the 2012 Kizashi sport sedan. This is the second consecutive Suzuki Super Bowl commercial – the first being the popular ‘Wicked Weather’ spot during the big game in 2011.

“We are delighted to celebrate our successful 2011 sales year with an 11 percent increase, by once again showcasing the personality of the Suzuki brand and our award-winning Kizashi sport sedan on advertising’s biggest stage,” said Jeff Holland, director of social media, American Suzuki. “The Kizashi’s all-wheel-drive performance and luxurious interior make it the perfect choice for those looking to upgrade their ride.”

The commercial was developed by El Segundo, Calif.-based advertising agency Siltanen & Partners Advertising.

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

If the photos are any indication, Suzuki has spent their money putting an expensive powertrain into a cheap car rather than blowing loads of money on a new, cheap car and then building a costly powertrain. No word yet on pricing or total range, but the Swift will manage 19 miles on electric before switching to internal combustion.

No details on the Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid’s powertrain have been released.

The Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid will join the Regina City Car Concept and the Q-Concept in Tokyo.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

“The Q-concept is more practical than a car as it’s more manoeuvrable and takes up much less parking space,” Suzuki said in a statement. “At the same time, a cabin makes it a more attractive, more comfortable option than a motorcycle. It’s outstandingly handy for shopping, commuting, going to the doctor, transporting children, and all the other short journeys in everyday life.”

The Q-Concept is powered by an electric motor that provides a driving range of up to 31 miles and a top speed of 37 mph.

The Suzuki Q-Concept comes in two configurations including a single seat at the front and two rear seats – or a single seat at the front and room for storage in the back.

- By: Omar Rana

“It’s as light as a minicar (just 730kg) thanks to a clear focus on minimizing weight, and it has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models thanks to uncompromising efforts to heighten aerodynamic performance,” Suzuki says in a statement. “As a result, it has fuel economy of at least 32km/L (measured in the JC08 test cycle) and CO2 emissions as low as 70g/km (measured in the New European Driving Cycle) using a petrol engine.”

The four-passenger Suzuki Regina measures just 3,550mm long, 1,630mm wide and 1,430mm tall – riding on 2,425mm wheelbase.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen AG has said that it no longer classifies Suzuki an ‘associate,’ retracting word that kicked off a downward spiral in the partnership between the companies. The German automaker enraged the Japanese brand in March in its annual report saying that it could’ significantly influence financial and operating policy decisions’ at Suzuki.

“The opportunity to exert notable influence upon Suzuki is, for the time being, no longer available,” Volkswagen said. It added that it now lists Suzuki under ‘other holdings.’

Suzuki Italia’s President Junya Kumataki said that the company is still firm on its decision to ‘divorce from Volkswagen’ and had nothing more to add.

Suzuki has been urging Volkswagen to sell back its 19.9 percent stake in the company.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive news

As part of a new marketing strategy, Suzuki has chosen to focus strictly on the 20 markets that it has the most dealers and highest market share.

Since Detroit is not in one of those markets, the brand has been passing up the show since 2009. Only 430 new Suzuki’s have been sold in California this year through September, so has recently made the decision to pull out of next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, as well.

American Suzuki spokesman, Jeff Holland, says “For the upcoming season, our brand will selectively participate at auto shows where our distinctive and engaging story will resonate the most.”

In 2007, the brand moved over 100,000 units in the U.S., as of last month, the brand only sold 20,284 so far this year, so Holland says “We’ve got a more conservative approach going forward.”

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Automotive News

Suzuki’s Chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki is a pretty tough guy. As the company’s estranged marriage with Volkswagen AG heats up, Osamu has asked the German automaker to publicly retract its claim that Suzuki violated their tie-up agreement by sourcing diesel engines from Fiat.

Osamu issued the demand in a letter to Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn on Thursday.

Osamu said that Volkswagen to publicly take back the accusation by Sept. 30, “since Suzuki’s global reputation has been significantly damaged by the announcement.”

On Sept. 11, Volkswagen released a statement saying the the Japanese automaker breached their 2009 alliance contract when it decided to buy diesel engines from Fiat. Suzuki denies that the move violates their relationship. In the following days, Osamu asked for a ‘divorce’ form Volkswagen comparing the relationship to a ‘ball and chain.’

Suzuki demanded that Volkswagen should sell its 19.89 percent stake in the company.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Toyota announced Wednesday that the 2012 Scion xD will start with a price tag of $15,345 for a 5-speed manual transmission.

Prices are up $235 from last year, as this year’s model comes with more standard features, which include streaming audio, Bluetooth, and HD radio.

A six-speed sound system will also be included with the xD, that features a personalized welcome screen. A premium option is available that comes with a 5.8 inch touch-screen, all part of keeping the young buyers market appeal of the model.

No changes have been made to the body style or under the hood. Power still comes from a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) making 128 horsepower.

Other standard features will be keyless entry, a/c, tire-pressure monitoring, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a tilt steering wheel.

Interested? The Scion xD will be available in dealerships as of October.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Suzuki and Volkswagen are apparently filing for a divorce after Volkswagen claimed that Suzuki violated its cooperation agreement with the automaker by purchasing diesel engines from Fiat SpA. Fiat has been pretty quite on the whole matter… until now.

Speaking at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said that Suzuki would be an interesting partner for the Asian market.

“With Suzuki we have had an industrial cooperation for a long time,” Marchionne said. Speaking on Suzuki’s relationship problems with Volkswagen he said they “have nothing to do with us.”

Suzuki’s Chairman Osamu Suzuki said earlier this week that he plans to end the two-year capital alliance with Volkswagen, comparing the partnership to a “ball and chain.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Much like the previous Swift Sport, the new one features tuned brakes, steering and suspension. It also features more aggressive bodywork and larger wheels. And the result is a pretty sharp looking package. To add to the appearance, the Swift Sport also comes standard with HID headlamps.

Under the hood sits a new unique version of Suzuki’s M16A 1.4L naturally-aspirated four-banger. Producing 134-hp and 118 lb-ft of torque, the power is channeled through a six-speed manual transmission allowing for an estimated 37 mpg average.

Prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Chris Chin

Following a statement from Volkswagen over the weekend that Suzuki violated its cooperation agreement with the German automaker by purchasing diesel engines from Fiat SpA, Suzuki’s Chairman Osamu Suzuki said he plans to end the turbulent two-year capital alliance with V-dub

Osamu said that the two companies should “say goodbye with a smile” instead of trading bitter accusations.

Osamu then went onto compare the partnership to a “ball and chain” and suggested the Germans weren’t acting like adults. He said that Volkswagen’s accusations that Suzuki was infringement of their contract was similar to a to a declaration of war.

He said it is impossible to grow a healthy relationship under such conditions.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

In December 2009, Volkswagen purchased 19.9 percent of Suzuki under a strategic cooperation. We’re pretty sure you’ve been reading some headlines that the relationship between the two automakers is starting to go sour.

Volkswagen released a statement today saying that after a review, Volkswagen found the Suzuki is guilty of infringement of the cooperation agreement concluded in December 2009.

“The notice concerning the infringement relates to the supply of diesel engines produced by another manufacturer to Suzuki,” Volkswagen said. The other manufacturer? Fiat SpA.

“Volkswagen takes the view that this contradicts the terms of the cooperation agreement,” the German automaker said. “Suzuki has now been given a period of several weeks to remedy the infringement. Volkswagen considers this step regrettable, but necessary, and has offered to discuss the matter with Suzuki. At the same time, the company stresses it still regards Suzuki as an attractive investment.”

- By: Omar Rana

Last month, we informed you of a heated debate brewing between German behemoth, Volkswagen AG and small-time Japanese automobile maker Suzuki Motors. And appears Volkswagen AG is upset at the partnership.

Not too many years ago, General Motors was teamed up with Suzuki and both companies shared platforms and cars and sold them globally. But then, the General went under and had to liquidate in 2009 with Suzuki being one to go.

Afterwards, Volkswagen attempted a partnership by acquiring 19.9% of Suzuki. Word has it now two years later, VAG ain’t happy. And that could be demonstrated in the crudely drawn picture above, themed after an Internet meme.

Apparently, CEO Martin Winterkorn was quoted for saying that “there are differences with Suzuki going forward and we’re disappointed in the tie-up.”

However, CEO Osamu Suzuki is said to have made a blog post expressing frustrations that “his company has not been treated equally in the venture.”

Whether the joint-venture would work is very much in question. Only time will tell.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: TruckTrend

The Suzuki Swift is one of the few models offered by the small Japanese make that the US of A doesn’t see. And we don’t quite understand why. To add insult to injury for us, Suzuki has just unveiled details for its latest hot Swift hatchback.

The Suzuki Swift lineup was given a solid update last year and along with the update, Suzuki unveiled the Swift S-Concept, which was designed to be a GTi-like version of the Swift. Now, the concept made it into production and picks up the Swift Sport name once again.

The engine at first doesn’t sound like much. Basically, Suzuki took the standard engine in the Swift, which is the M16A 1.4L four banger and increased the displacement to 1.6L and mated to a six-speed manual. The results are 134hp and 118 lb-ft of torques. Again, doesn’t sound like much but considering the Swift’s light weight and small proportions, the 1.6L should pack plenty of punch for the car.

The suspension too has been reworked to improve handling. Other differences include bespoke bodywork and wheels and much more.

Not many other details have been released, but we could expect more to pop up as we get closer to the official debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

- By: Chris Chin

Suzuki has been getting a piece of the growth action as of late. Anyone who has seen or driven the new Kizashi or the Swift off-shores knows that the small Japanese manufacturer if very much capable of making a decent car. So just recently, Suzuki has announced that it will be releasing some new updates for its Grand Vitara SUV/crossover.

Called the Ultimate Adventure Edition, the special edition Grand Vitara features some new 18” shoes, water-resistant seat fabric, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and integrated fog lamps.

Additionally, the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Ultimate Adventure Edition comes with an upgraded infotainment and navigation system that includes voice recognition, traffic information, 3D map lane guidance with Google’s Local Point of Interest search engine.

Hit the jump to learn more about the 2012 Suzuki lineup.

Press Release:

MY2012 Suzuki Preview Information

As a whole the automotive industry has begun to turn a corner, but not without first having endured a difficult couple of years full of unprecedented challenges. The most recent for Suzuki, as well as for many other OEMs, was the tragic earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan in March. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the millions affected, which include family members and friends of many of our own Suzuki employees. From an operations standpoint, our Hamamatsu-based headquarters is situated well outside of the region directly affected by the devastation. Nevertheless, we expect a slowdown in production volume in the months ahead, mainly due to parts and supplier shortages.

While sales in the U.S. have begun to turnaround and trend upwards, so have fuel prices, making Suzuki’s diverse line of small, affordable vehicles even more relevant to American consumers.

With Sales up nearly 17% year-to-date, Suzuki will continue to refine and improve upon the
competitiveness of its line-up in MY12 with more standard safety features, upgraded in-vehicle
technology, improved fuel-economy, new colors for every model and added special value
packages to further build on the brand’s value commitment to practicality and unparalleled value.

The Kizashi mid-size sedan enters MY12 with terrific sales momentum (+47% year to date) on the heels of earning new awards in consumer satisfaction from multiple premiere consumer research organizations. Recent unveilings of two Kizashi concepts at the New York International Auto Show – the fuel efficient EcoCharge model and the turbo APEX model – hinted at how the Suzuki can broaden the Kizashi’s appeal to broaden its fan base in the future. For 2012, the Kizashi improves on its winning value story by maintaining its starting price of $18,999 (plus Destination & Handling charge of $765) and adding a new high-value leather equipped Kizashi trim (SE Leather Edition) to the line-up with a starting price $2,000 lower than the top-trim SLS model. Overall, the Kizashi line-up pricing is up less than 1% for MY12 and builds on its reputation as a category “Best Buy” as recognized by Consumers Digest in 2011.

The on and off-road capable Grand Vitara compact SUV will arrive with a new model, named the
Ultimate Adventure Edition, featuring black chrome-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, water resistant
two-tone heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, and integrated outside turn and fog lamps at a special value oriented price. Beginning in spring of 2012, the Grand Vitara will show off its new profile with a new rear tailgate design, eliminating the spare tire on some models. In addition, the Grand Vitara receives improvements to its class-exclusive standard navigation system, now featuring voice command recognition and an enhanced suite of standard interactive features such as traffic information, weather forecast, 3D maps including lane guidance, Google Local Point-of-Interest Search, among the highlights. The Grand Vitara’s starting price increases by $200 in thenew model year, and overall weighted average price increase is limited to just over 1% for the new model year.

Suzuki continues to refine and improve the ever-popular SX4 line – Sedan, SportBack and
Crossover AWD – with enhancements to technology, safety, and fuel economy. All SX4 models will adopt upgraded Garmin Navigation System with Voice Command Recognition (Navigation remains standard on all SX4 Sedan Sport trims and optional on other SX4 configurations) along with a suite of interactive features similar to those in Grand Vitara. The sedans will also receive standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC1) and rear disc brakes across the line up (currently standard on Crossover and SportBack), as well as improved fuel economy on the SX4 Sedan LE automatic (improvement of nearly 8% in MPG).

The MY12 SX4 Crossover AWD will retain its status as America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive
automobile with no increase to its starting price of $16,999 (plus $765 for destination & handling
charge) and will adopt standard Alloy Wheels on all automatic transmission equipped models.
Overall, the SX4 line-up will experience an average 1% price increase in MY12.

Last, but not least, Suzuki’s award-winning Equator midsize pickup truck will return to fill the needs of both our work-oriented customer as well as our weekend warrior customers whose passions are fueled by motorcycle and marine-related activities. For 2012, the Equator 4-cylinder models will adopt standard Electronic Stability Control now making ESC standard throughout the entire Equator line-up. The Equator will continue to offer a class-leading V6 motor and off-road hardware along with America’s #1 Warranty (7-years/100,000 miles of limited powertrain protection). Pricing for Equator will be released at a later date.

The following early 2012 model year information is provided for use in long-lead publications and
for preview articles and broadcasts. The data should be considered preliminary and subject to
change. All the latest news and photography can always be found on Suzuki’s media website
at www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook
(www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive). Please
contact our office with any questions you may have, as well as requests for additional information.

2012 Suzuki Kizashi
As the winner of AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award for mid-size sedan for two years running (2010 and 2011) and the just released J.D. Power award for mid-size sedans, the Kizashi – available in 4 trims (S, SE, GTS, and SLS) – provides consumer a fun-to-drive excellent handling car in a segment long suffering with boring to drive cars. Kizashi will strengthen is appeal in 2011 by adding a leather seat package to the popular SE trim level which includes power leather seats (driver and passenger) and heated front seats. The base S trim and mid-grade SE trim also get a new “Pearl Red” exterior color: Crimson Red Metallic. Our sportiest trim series the GTS 6M/T has been repackaged to increase its performance and enhance it value as our most serious driver’s car through the deletion of the glass sunroof and power driver’s seat to reduce weight and lower this 6M’T's center of gravity while increasing it affordability. The Sport GTS with A/T retains the standard sunroof and power seat. Our top trim, the SLS Sport carries over its popular formula from the 2011MY to 2012.

2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC
185 hp @ 6,500 RPM (MT); 180 hp @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)
170 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM
Six-speed manual/available CVT with paddle shifters (most trims)
Front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive
106.3 in. / 183.1 in.
S MT: 21/31 city/highway
S CVT: 23/31 city/highway; S CVT AWD: 23/30 city/highway
Touch-Free Smart Key Entry with Push-Button Ignition, Sport Seats, Dual-Zone Auto Climate, Vehicle Security System, 5-Link Rear Suspension.

All-Wheel-Drive, Navigation with Traffic info & Rear View Camera, Bluetooth
Akebono Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (FWD), I-VSP (AWD models), ABS and Brake Assist
Eight Standard Airbags: Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers, Projector Beam Headlamps with DRL

2012 Suzuki SX4 Sedan/Sport
The SX4 Sedan, includes Base, LE and Sport trim series for 2012 and continues to provide
excellent value including the peace of mind of America’s #1 and only fully transferable 100,000
mile warranty. For the 2012 MY all sedans adopt standard electronic stability control (ESC) and
rear disc brakes with the LE Popular Package also receiving alloy wheels along with improved
fuel economy. The Sport model receives an upgraded standard navigation system with voice
command, and also gets new alloy wheels. Exterior colors will include a new Brilliant Blue Metallic
for all SX4s and a new Crimson Red Metallic for the LE Sedan. The SX4 Sport S, GTS and LE
Anniversary Edition versions have been discontinued for 2012.

2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC
150 hp @ 6,200 RPM (MT); 148 hp @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)
140 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 RPM
Six-speed manual/available CVT with paddle shifters
Front-wheel drive
98.4 in. / 177.6 in.
LE M/T: 23/33 city/highway; LE CVT: 25/32 city/highway

Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks, Tilt Steering; LE Adds A/C, AM/FM/CD/
MP3 with Aux Jack. Sport Adds: Navigation, 17″ Alloys, Aero body Kit, Cruise.
Bluetooth Hands free Calling with on-screen graphics

Active: Electronic Stability Control, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS & Brake Assist
Passive: Eight Standard Airbags: Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers, Daytime Running Lights

2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD
Long praised as America’s most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle and highly lauded by
the media and consumers alike the, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD receives an available
upgraded navigation system with voice command and standard alloy wheels on automatic (CVT)
transmission equipped models. New exterior colors include a new Brilliant Blue Metallic and a new
Crimson Red Metallic. This top selling AWD model will continue to deliver exceptional confidence
and capabilities to drivers in all weather conditions.

2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC
150 hp @ 6,200 RPM (MT); 148 hp @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)
140 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 RPM
Six-speed manual/available CVT with paddle shifters (some trims)
i-AWD, three-mode all-wheel drive with 2WD, AWD and AWD Lock modes
98.4 in. /162.8 in.
AWD MT: 22/30 city/highway
AWD CVT: 23/29 city/highway

Roof Rack Rails, Rear Window Wiper 7 Defroster, Power Windows, Mirrors,
and Locks with Remote Keyless FOB, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Player w/Aux Jack.
Navigation with voice command and traffic info, Bluetooth, Heated Seats.

Key Safety Active: Standard 3-Mode All-Wheel Drive, Electronic Stability Control, 4-Wheel Disc
.
Brakes with ABS & Brake Assist
Passive: Eight Standard Airbags: Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers, Daytime Running Lights

2012 Suzuki SX4 SportBack
Offering an attractive sporty profile and providing surprising utility, the FWD only SportBack returns ready for driving fun in the 2012 model year. With a lower and stiffer suspension than its AWD stable mate the SX4 Crossover, the SportBack is fitted with standard 17″ alloy wheels coupled with an aero body kit and fog lights to deliver consumers America’s most affordable “hot hatch”.

The SportBack Tech trim with automatic transmission will receive an upgraded navigation system
featuring voice command, as well as new exterior colors including Brilliant Blue Metallic and
Crimson Red Metallic. The Tech trim with M/T is discontinued for 2012.

For the latest pricing, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, DOHC
150 hp @ 6,200 RPM (MT); 148 hp @ 6,000 RPM (CVT)
140 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 RPM
Six-speed manual/available CVT with paddle shifters (some trims)
Front-wheel drive
98.4 in.
162.8 in.

MT: 22/30 city/highway
CVT: 23/30 city/highway
Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist
Eight Standard Airbags: Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers, Daytime Running Lights

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Since its introduction, the Grand Vitara has won both media and consumer praise and collected
numerous awards. No other SUV in the Grand Vitara’s size and price category better balances
true off-road capability with the needs of daily commuting. It’s tough uni-body with ladder frame
construction (similar to Jeep Grand Cherokee™) and available 4-Mode 4WD system with low-
range gearing that allows the Grand Vitara to provide exceptional off road/extreme conditions
prowess while delivering a comfortable, economical and well controlled on-road ride.

2012 sees the addition of an all-new trim series called the Ultimate Adventure Edition – it is
available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. On the exterior, the Ultimate Adventure Edition
features stunning “black chrome” painted 18-inch wheels, front fog lamps and European style side view mirrors with integrated turn signals, Inside, the Ultimate Adventure Edition features trend-setting three-tone (blue, gray, white) water resistant seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In recognition of consumers needs and wants, the 2012 ½ Grand Vitara will feature an all-new rear tailgate design that eliminates the outside spare tire and carrier in Spring 2012. All 2012 ½ Grand Vitara models will wear this refined profile, except the top of the line Limited trim which retains this off-roader authentic and useful outside spare tire feature. In addition, all Grand Vitara models will offer a new navigation system with voice command and a new exterior color, Sandstorm Metallic.

2.4-liter in-line four DOHC
166 hp @ 6,000 RPM
162 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM
Five-speed manual/available four-speed auto
Rear-wheel drive/available Four-Mode full-time all-wheel drive with two-
speed transfer case
103.9 in. / 177.2 in.

Navigation System with Voice Command and Traffic info, Auto Headlights,
Automatic Climate Control, AM/FM/CD/MP3, Fold-Tumble Split Rear Seats
4-Mode 4WD System, 18″ Alloy Wheels, Leather Heated Seats, Bluetooth.

RWD MT: 19/26 city/highway
RWD AT: 19/25 city/highway
4WD AT: 19/23 city/highway
Electronic Stability Program, Brake Force Distribution, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with Brake Assist
Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers, Projector Beam Headlamps with DRL

2012 Suzuki Equator
Introduced to Suzuki showrooms in the 2009 model year, the Consumers Digest™ Best Value
award winning Equator was a natural fit to Suzuki’s model lineup given the high propensity
of Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and outboard motor owners to drive a pickup truck. Available in
both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles, and rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive
configurations, the Equator has found favor both with activity-oriented consumers and the enthusiast publications that serve them. The Equator is the only pick-up in America to offer a
100,000 mile power train warranty, one that is fully transferable too.

For 2012 all Equator pickup trucks will have standard Electronic Stability Control. This feature was previously standard on V6 models only. 2012 see the addition of three great new colors: Bay Blue Metallic, Adobe Red Metallic and Silver Alloy Metallic.

2.5-liter in-line four DOHC/4.0-liter V6 DOHC
152 hp @ 5,200 RPM/261 hp @ 5,600 RPM
171 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 RPM/281 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM

Five-speed manual/available five-speed automatic (I-4)/standard five-speed automatic (V6)
Rear-wheel drive/available 4WD
125.9 in. (Extended and Crew Cab)/139.9 in. (Crew Cab Long Bed)
205.5 in. (Extended and Crew Cab)/219.4 in. (Crew Cab Long Bed)
73.3 in. long (59.5 in. Crew Cab Short Bed)/61.4 in. wide
I-4
MT: TBA city/highway
AT: TBA city/highway
V6
RWD AT: TBA city/highway
4WD: TBA city/highway
Vehicle Dynamic Control (Std., V6), Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Front, side and side curtain airbags front and rear child seat anchors and tethers

Note: All 2012 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-
year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty – the only fully transferable 100,000 mile in America. Coverage extends to the engine, transmission and transfer case, and front- and rear-wheel-drive systems beyond the 36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty.

All Suzuki warranties are designed to boost customer satisfaction and trade-in value while
underscoring Suzuki’s confidence in its quality and long term durability.

- By: Chris Chin

About a year and a half ago, Volkswagen had decided to purchase about 20% of Suzuki. However, pretty much nothing has been achieved after the partnership settled because it has yet to be settled.

This is because over the course of time that Volkswagen has had their 20% stake in Suzuki, any progression in the partnership was stalled because of differences in corporate culture and the ways as to how the two would work together mutually to be successful.

Suzuki’s interest in Volkswagen is VW’s technology in alternative powertrains and dual-clutch gearboxes where as Volkswagen is interested in Suzuki because of Maruti Suzuki’s prominence in the Indian market.

The Japanese make also has a partnership with Fiat in where the Italian make bought the rights to one or two Suzuki models so that they could be sold as Fiats, and Suzuki sources their diesel powertrains from Fiat.

That said, there can be much potential to be had since all of the companies have the right resources that when pulled together, can achieve some potentially interesting results. You have Suzuki’s specialty in the compact and subcompact genre (it’s a shame we didn’t get the highly acclaimed Swift here), the vast resources and technology of Volkswagen AG, and with Fiat in the mix…well, there can be a myriad of new cars to come from this. What do you egmCarTech’ers think?

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

Monster Nobuhiro Tajima held onto his title as the king of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by scoring his sixth straight victory this Sunday, in breaking the 10-minute barrier.

Tajima’s Suzuki Hill Climb Special recorded a time of 9 minutes, 51.28 seconds. Many drivers have been attempting to break the record that was set by Rod Millen, a 5-time champion of the Unlimited class, won in 10:04.06 in 1994.

Rhys Millen, Rod Millen’s son, came in 2nd at 10:09.24, followed by Jean Philippe Dayraut, who came in 3rd with a time of 10:17.71.

The 89th edition of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb will be the last before the entire 12.42 mile course is covered with asphalt pavement.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

2011 New York: Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

American Suzuki Corporation has just unveiled a turbo concept of its Kizashi sport sedan earlier today at the 2011 New York Auto Show suggesting that the company could be planning a new model that could cater to enthusiasts in the US of A that crave added power and performance.

The turbocharged Kizashi Apex Concept features a new Garrett turbocharger complete with an air-to-liquid intercooler, electronic boost control, and a reworked engine ECU. The result is, as near as makes no difference, approximately 275-300 hp from about a maximum of 8.5 psi.

Click here for more news on the Suzuki Kizashi.

On the outside, the Kizashi Apex Concept receives a livery that’s inspired by Suzuki’s tradition in motorcycle racing as well as a revised lower front fascia featuring LED-based foglights. Complete with special performance tires by Yokohama that feature an adfacned nanotechnology micro-fiber compound that maximizes traction in both wet and dry conditions, the Apex Concept certainly looks like a promising entry into the market that if made, could make Suzuki a viable alternative to other cars in the same market.

2011 New York: Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept:

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski – egmCarTech.

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept:

SUZUKI DEBUTS KIZASHI APEX CONCEPT
AT 2011 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Turbocharged Sport Sedan Conveys Iconic Suzuki Sportbike Heritage

NEW YORK (April 19, 2011) - American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) unveiled a turbo concept version of its Kizashi sport sedan at the company’s 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) press conference this evening. The turbocharged Kizashi Apex Concept showcases the link between Suzuki’s automotive division and its championship-winning motorcycles.

“Our turbo-equipped concept leverages the already-exceptional Kizashi platform and infuses it with a substantial boost,” said Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning, American Suzuki Motor Corporation. “The Kizashi Apex Concept will further elevate our flagship sedan in the U.S. among enthusiasts who crave added power and performance.”

More Power Under the Hood

The Kizashi Apex Concept features a Garrett turbocharger, an air-to-liquid intercooler, electronic boost control, and a specific engine control unit calibration to provide outstanding drivability. The system takes the Kizashi’s peak output into the 275-300 horsepower range, with a maximum boost of 8.5 psi. This powertrain is matched exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. Specific system components are as follows:

• Garrett/Honeywell 2871 R ball bearing turbocharger
• Internally wastegated 0.86 A/R turbine housing
• Oil and water cooled bearing system
• Turbine housing cast from high-nickel “Ni-Resist” material for extreme applications
• Turbine wheel cast from lightweight iconel materials for extreme applications

Key to the Kizashi Apex Concept’s performance is its air-to-liquid intercooler, purposed for more effective charge air cooling in a smaller package. The unit’s relatively small heat exchanger and circulation pump are designed to be minimally intrusive to vehicle cooling. The intercooler’s primary advantage comes from the reduction in the overall length of ducting, which results in faster throttle response and a lower turbo lag, giving peak boost faster than most air-to-air intercooler systems. For impressive engine

breathing, the Apex Concept utilizes a free flowing true dual exhaust system.

Race Bike Grapics

The livery on the Kizashi Apex Concept is based on the actual Suzuki superbike race design theme and highlights the vehicle’s bloodline connection to Suzuki’s GSX-R Superbike. For a more expressive front-end, the lower fascia wears customized LED-based foglights. The Apex Concept is shod with Yokohama S.Drive 245/35-R19 tires, featuring advanced nanotechnology micro-fiber compound to maximize traction in both wet and dry conditions. The wheels are lightweight performance alloys with a “burnt asphalt” finish to communicate this Kizashi turbo’s high level of performance. To make sure all this power is put to use in the right place, the Kizashi Apex Concept uses Suzuki’s Euro-spec high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.

Race-inspired Interior

The Kizashi Apex Concept’s cabin receives an eye-catching treatment in black leather, with laser blue Alcantara® accents on the sport seats and steering wheel.

Kizashi Apex Concept Specifications

- By: Chris Chin