Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

Suzuki has unveiled the Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept as their latest concept at the New York Auto Show. The Suzuki Kizashi 3 has a five seat configuration with a front engine, four-wheel drive with Advanced i-AWD system.

Suzuki announced that the Suzuki Kizashi 3 will spawn a future sport sedan. The Suzuki Kizashi 3 is powered by a 3,564cm3 V6, DOHC, 24-valve engine developing 300 hp that is coupled with a six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) gearbox.

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Suzuki Equator 2009 Pickup Truck

Suzuki Equator 2009 has been launched by Suzuki as the midsize pickup truck at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. With no pricing information being available yet, the 2009 Suzuki Equator will be launched on the US market in the fourth quarter of this year. There’s a choice between two engines for the 2009 Suzuki Equator: a 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine with an output of 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four engine developing 152 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.

Press Release

To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the company’s bold and adventurous brand identity and further expand the growing line of products marketed by approximately 500
Suzuki dealers nationwide, American Suzuki Motor Corp. debuts its all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup truck at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. The introduction of the Equator marks Suzuki’s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market and expands the company’s offering of activity-oriented cars and trucks.

Leveraging Suzuki’s credibility as a maker of lifestyle-oriented, fun-to-use products, the Equator offers the perfect blend of style, utility and off-road capability that truck buyers – many of whom are current Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine product owners, loyalists and ambassadors – demand and enjoy. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., and based on the Nissan Frontier, the 2009 Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced.

“Since Suzuki has continued to strengthen its brand equity among outdoor enthusiasts, we thought now was the right time to produce a vehicle that meets the additional needs many of these people have,” said Mark Harano, president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Truck buyers are a particularly good fit for Suzuki since they’re likely to participate in motorcycle riding, power boating and other lifestyle-oriented activities that fit with our brand identity and our product portfolio. The Equator provides Suzuki with an opportunity to build an authentic connection with a group of consumers who are familiar with our brand and, in many circumstances, own other Suzuki products.”

To introduce the Equator, Suzuki is unveiling three separate representations of the truck during its Chicago Auto Show press conference. The three concepts, coined the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports aficionados, showcase Suzuki’s diverse brand spirit, while illustrating the capability and flexibility of the all-new Suzuki Equator.

In addition to Chicago’s global reveal of the all-new Equator, Suzuki will showcase the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept reinforcing the link between the company’s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, as well as a range of outdoor and performance-oriented motorcycles and ATVs, including the KingQuad 450, LT-R450 QuadRacer and all-new Hayabusa sportbike, to name a few.

2009 Suzuki Equator
Performance and Functionality

Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator’s V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, variable valve timing and a silent two-stage timing chain.

The Equator is matched to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission (I4), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.

The Equator’s strong, fully boxed frame anchors a long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed), enhancing driver and passenger comfort and stability, while its overall length of 205.5 inches (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed) provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure for a midsize pickup truck. The 2009 Equator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are still preliminary.

Other Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

Styling and Utility

The all-new Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a number of unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. Both Equator Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an extensive tie-down system with adjustable tracks, providing ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo – including Suzuki motorcycles or ATVs. Suzuki also will offer specialized bed accessories that make loading, securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in many competitive trucks. To further satisfy the needs of active lifestyles, Suzuki will offer its customers a full range of more traditional accessories for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. Crew Cab models will offer an available roof rack.

Interior

The Suzuki Equator offers the driver and up to four passengers a functional interior that combines versatility, cargo utility, comfort and convenience. Both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles feature flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. The Equator offers additional convenience features such as a dual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage and one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors. A host of cupholders and power points are standard throughout the truck. Equator Crew Cab also will offer available leather-appointed seats, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors and a factory-installed moonroof. Additional available interior amenities include a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with six-disc in-dash CD audio system, optional satellite radio and MP3 capability and MP3 player aux-in jack.

Safety and Packages

The all-new Equator includes a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment, including zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. To make the safety story even stronger, the Equator comes equipped with supplemental front seat side-impact air bags and supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. Additionally, Extended Cab and Crew Cab models provide three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system is provided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.

Equator RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concept Vehicles

Designed to match Suzuki’s performance-oriented motocross motorcycles, the RMZ-4 concept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. This Equator-based concept, built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., features a number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender provided by Amp Research, an eye-catching graphic treatment, 18-inch black chrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights. The truck’s striking exterior is matched by an equally stunning sound system that includes an Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

Another Carlab creation to debut in Chicago, the Quay concept is built to suit recreational boating and watersports lifestyles, with a customized paint job that reflects the look of Suzuki’s line of marine engines. With an Extended Cab, long bed and hefty towing capabilities, the truck also is equipped with a state-of-the-art Visteon nav-control head unit that provides satellite radio, MP3 and navigation capabilities, in addition to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components. The Quay also sports special 20-inch wheels and a matching locking hard tonneau cover.

Built to resemble the Suzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoor lifestyle, the Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-based Andry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab and military “look and feel.” In addition to a custom paint job and a two-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has been modified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style front bumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards. To enhance the vehicle’s overall appearance and performance, the Quad is equipped with Yokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheels and features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

2009 Audi TTS Details

Audi released the first details of the new 2009 Audi TTS that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2009 Audi TTS will be powered by a 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine delivering 272 PS and 350 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm.

The 2009 Audi TTS Coupe will have a manual gear box and will have a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds. The top speed of the 2009 Audi TTS Coupe is limited to 155 mph and the consumption is 29.7 mpg.

The 2009 Audi TTS Roadster will have a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and the same, limited, top speed of 155 mph.
The consumption of the 2009 Audi TTS Roadster is rated by Audi at 29.3 mpg.

Press Release
HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDI TTS DEBUTS IN DETROIT

272PS and standard magnetic ride system for the most performance-focused TT to date
New even higher performance version of acclaimed TT sports car available in Coupe and Roadster body styles
Debuts at the North American International Auto Show on January 13 and is expected to open for UK order in mid-2008
Powered by an extensively modified version of the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine delivering 272PS and peak torque of 350Nm between 2,500 and 5,000rpm
Coupe (manual) 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.7mpg, Roadster 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.3mpg
Suspension, steering and brakes revised to complement enhanced performance
Standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system for optimum handling composure

The ‘S’ emblem that spells extraordinary performance in the Audi range graces the TT for the first time this month in a new, even more focused version of the iconic sports car debuting at the North American International Auto Show (January 19-27). Destined for the UK in mid-2008 in both Coupe and Roadster body styles, the 2009 Audi TTS earns its esteemed badge through the adoption of a specially developed, 272PS Turbo FSI petrol engine complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology.

Extensive revisions to the acclaimed 2.0-litre turbo charged and directly fuel injected petrol engine that already powers the TT have enabled its power to be boosted from 200PS to 272PS and its torque from 280Nm to 350Nm, available between 2,500 and 5,000rpm. Linked to six-speed, close ratio manual transmission the enhanced unit slingshots the 2009 Audi TTS Coupe from rest to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, and on the Autobahn is only curtailed by its electronic limiter at 155mph. With the optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission acceleration times are reduced by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupe and Roadster.

In addition to the evocative ‘S’ insignia, the most extreme production TT to date highlights its capabilities from the front through newly designed bi-xenon headlamps incorporating trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, a redesigned front apron incorporating larger air intakes and aluminum-look door mirror housings. The profile view is enhanced by deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be swapped for 19-inch alternatives at extra cost, while at the rear a revised rear bumper with - for the first time in a TT – four tailpipes protruding from its extended diffuser subtly conveys the newcomer’s extra performance potential.

Inside, deep-set Alcantara and leather combination sports seats, exclusive ‘S’ instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminum trim elements enhance the already very highly regarded sports interior.

Audi Space Frame (ASF)

Streamlined by its revolutionary lightweight Audi Space Frame aluminum and steel hybrid body shell, and pinned to the road by a comprehensively modified, quattro four-wheel-drive-equipped chassis, the new 2009 Audi TTS has been designed to maximize the TT’s inherent fun factor while retaining its safe, surefooted feel. Reworked power steering and enlarged brakes help the driver to profit fully from the exceptional performance, and to guarantee the highest degree of agility in all situations the space-age Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system is fitted as standard.

The magnetic ride system’s sophisticated dampers are filled with a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence.

The new sports model is not only notable as the first TT to become a member of the esteemed Audi ‘S quattro series’, which numbers extra special models such as the 450PS S8 quattro among its ranks. Significantly, it also debuts on the tenth anniversary of the TT, the Coupe version of which became an overnight sensation following its launch in 1998.

Picture caption

Audi TT joins the ‘S-Club’- A new, even more focused version of the iconic TT sports car debuts at this month’s North American Auto Show (January 13-23). Destined for the UK in mid-2008 in both Coupe and Roadster body styles, the 2009 Audi TTS is powered by a specially developed, 272PS Turbo FSI petrol engine complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology.