Acura = Alfa-Romeo = Alpina = Artega = Ascari = Aston-Martin = Audi = BMW = Bentley = Brabus = Bugatti = Buick = Cadillac = Caparo = Chevrolet = Chrysler = Citroen = Covini = Dacia = Daewoo = Daihatsu = Daimler = Devon = Dodge = Donkervoort = Farbio = Ferrari = Fiat = Fisker = Ford = GM = GMC = Gumpert = Holden = Honda = Hummer = Hyundai = Infiniti = Isuzu = Italdesign = Jaguar = Jeep = KTM = Kia = Koenigsegg = Lamborghini = Lancia = Land Rover = Leblanc = Lexus = Lincoln = Lobini = Lotus = MG = Mansory = Maserati = Maybach = Mazda = Mazel = McLaren = Mercedes-Benz = Mercury = Mindset = Mini = Mitsubishi = Morgan = Nismo = Nissan = Noble = ORCA = Oldsmobile = Opel = Peugeot = PGO = Pagani = Plymouth = Pontiac = Porsche = Renault = Rinspeed = Rolls-Royce = Rover = Saab = Saturn = Scion = Skoda = Smart = Spyker = SsangYong = Startech = Stola = Strosek = Suzuki = Torino = Subaru = Think = Toyota = Tramontana = Valmet = Vauxhall = Venturi = Volkswagen = Volvo = Wiesmann = Yes = Zagato = Zenvo.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Suzuki SX4, 2010

 
 
 
  •  Suzuki SX4, 2010
The Suzuki SX4 is a distinctive five-door hatchback that blends the characteristics of sporty compacts exemplified by the Swift, with those of lightweight SUVs such as the Grand Vitara, to create an exciting small car alternative.
The resulting 'sport X-over' combines responsive driving dynamics, 4x4 capability, high levels of practicality and styling that suggests a freestyle approach to life.

The UK line-up offers two engine options - one diesel and one petrol. The revised 120PS 1.6 litre VVT petrol engine is available in either SZ3 or SZ4 2WD (front-wheel drive) format or as a 4x4 SZ5 model with selectable/automatic four-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre DDiS will be available in SZ4 trim from April 2010, together with the SZ5 4X4 petrol.

Suzuki SX4 is the result of a joint development agreement between Suzuki and Fiat Auto, in which Suzuki was responsible for project management from concept to mass production. Suzuki SX4 models sold in Europe are built at Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary.

Expressive, confident exterior
The Suzuki SX4 is styled to look good in any setting. Fusing the dynamism of SUVs with the elegance of passenger cars gives poise and presence beyond the model's compact size. The 2010 model features a redesigned front bumper and grill together with new design 16-inch alloy wheels for SZ4 and SZ5 models. A low, rising waistline and large, triangular glazing forward of the front doors give the vehicle a strong, sporty wedge shape expressing dynamic performance, while the pronounced wheelarches and wide front and rear track broadcast stability and good traction. The design suggests a potential that is not found in conventional hatchbacks and that is pure Suzuki in nature: exciting, multi-dimensional and visually appealing.

Three model grades are available: SZ3; SZ4 and SZ5 which is available for the 4x4 petrol model. All models have a bold SUV appearance with wheel arch extensions, side protection mouldings (not SZ3 model), side under protection mouldings and front and rear skid plates.

Bold and refined interior
The "X-over" design continues inside the vehicle, with curving wraparound forms and trim materials and fabrics that have high visual and tactile quality. Circular motifs and a flowing centre panel - also used to critical acclaim in other Suzuki models - express the car's dynamic performance and add to its active lifestyle appeal.

The two-tone interior is predominantly black, highlighted with metallic-coloured accents and wedge-shaped motifs, for a look that is both bold and refined. The instrument panel's ergonomic design ensures the key meters and controls are intuitive and simple to use. A new style, LED back lit three-dial cluster provides important information at a glance and neatly echoes the metallic, circular motifs of the side air outlets and other controls. Important driver information on average and instantaneous fuel consumption as well as driving fuel range and outside temperature have now been relocated from the top centre of the dashboard to directly ahead of the driver in the instrument cluster.

The lower centre dashboard panel has also been revised for the 2010 model and incorporates a new display; housing the audio, air conditioning and other controls. On SZ4 and SZ5 models the large dials of the fully automatic air conditioning have ring lights, which make them easier to see and use, while adding to the overall refined quality. Steering wheel audio controls are now illuminated for added convenience.

Balance of form and function
The Suzuki SX4 comfortably accommodates up to five people and their luggage needs, while retaining a sleek and stylish look. The 4WD models have exterior length-width-height dimensions of 4,150mm x 1,755mm x 1,620mm (2WD models:1,605mm) These efficient proportions and a minimum turning circle of 10.6 metres make Suzuki SX4 easy to navigate around narrow urban streets and easier to park in spaces that would be out-of-bounds to large SUVs.

The spacious interior offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, even for rear seat passengers. Space is not the only factor in ensuring plenty of on-board comfort: the shape and position of the seats are designed to support a natural posture, a key factor in comfortable long-distance travel. Additionally, ideal seat heights, large door openings, and high ground clearance make access easy for all on board. The rear seats are set slightly higher, which means even those in the back get a good all-round view.

The rear seats divide 60:40, which means long items can be carried while still seating one or two rear passengers. They can also be tumbled forward to create an almost fully flat load floor, increasing boot capacity from 270 to 625 litres (VDA measurement).

A number of handy storage compartments are provided throughout the cabin, including large pockets on all doors with bottle holders.
On board refinement and comfort is enhanced in the latest model with the fitment of cushioned armrests in the doors; additional sound insulation throughout the cabin together with new design carpets; all helping lower NVH levels.

On the outside; a larger engine under shield cover together with improved transmission damping and increased rigidity of body parts have also been incorporated.

Specification
Suzuki SX4 is well equipped as standard with the SZ3 model offering six airbags; remote central locking with deadlocks, air conditioning, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with eight speakers, four electric windows, driver information display and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The SZ4 model adds fog lamps; 16-inch alloy wheels, side body protection and heated door mirrors. Petrol engine SZ4 models have an even higher specification with keyless entry and start; dashboard centre speaker and automatic air conditioning.
On sale in April, the top of the range SZ5 model adds i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive), MP3 / WMA compatible six CD changer and rear privacy glass.

Pure driving exhilaration
The Suzuki SX4 was engineered from the outset to offer all-wheel drive capability, yet still deliver sharp, dynamic performance. The inherent qualities of sporty hatchbacks are evident in the car's responsiveness and comfortable long-distance travel, while Suzuki's extensive experience in 4WD technology delivers all-wheel traction that is more than adequate for everyday situations.

The revised 1.6-litre petrol engine features drive by wire throttle control, a new variable valve timing and variable intake system for enhanced driveability and response. It powers the 2WD models with manual transmission from nought to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds - 11.5 seconds for the 4x4 model. In combined cycle driving, the 2WD manual models return 45.6mpg, a 10 per cent improvement over the previous engine, while the 4x4 is only slightly behind, returning 43.5mpg, a very respectable figure for a petrol-powered 4x4.

Power and torque
The 1.6-litre petrol engine has been improved to comply with Euro 5 emissions with a new cylinder head and block which offer improved cooling performance and improved 'knock' or detonation control limits; the higher power output (120PS vs 107PS) over the previous engine has been achieved by extending the intake and exhaust valve lift with variable valve timing and utilising a variable inlet manifold.

The variable intake system is similar to that used in the Grand Vitara 2.4-litre engine in which rotary valves in the intake manifold change the length of the intake ports according to engine speed. The result is improved intake efficiency throughout the rev range.

The variable intake system adjusts intake port length in three stages, Low, Mid and High engine speeds; thus gaining the maximum potential from the intake manifold. Optimising intake efficiency in this way means the engine delivers higher torque at the right time and subsequently delivers lower emissions across the engine speed range.

The engine also utilises a thin walled exhaust catalyst to also help achieve higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions; this is particularly relevant after start up from cold as the exhaust catalyst is able to reach it's correct operating temperature in less time.

The 1.6-litre DDiS engine, sourced from Peugeot, delivers 90PS and 215Nm of torque at just 1,750rpm to ensure lively, flexible performance and strong fuel economy. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, it achieves an impressive 57.6 mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km. Nought to 62 mph acceleration is achieved in 12.2 seconds, with a top speed (where permitted) of 109mph.

i-AWD (intelligent All Wheel Drive)
The signature feature of the Suzuki SX4 4x4 is it's i-AWD switchable three-mode all-wheel drive system. An Electric Control Coupling Device allows the driver to select 4WD-Auto, 4WD-Lock, and 2WD modes to suit driving conditions, giving excellent traction on low grip surfaces.

In 4WD-Auto mode in normal driving conditions there is no torque transfer to the rear wheels, so the Suzuki SX4 effectively operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle. As soon as any pronounced front wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically apportioned to the rear wheels to give all-wheel traction and improve vehicle stability.

4WD-Lock mode maintains full traction up to around 40mph, before automatically switching to 4WD-Auto mode for smooth cruising. Selecting 2WD (drive through the front wheels) optimises fuel economy.

Chassis
The Suzuki SX4 provides crisp, predictable handling designed to satisfy European driving tastes. This has been achieved by carefully matching the suspension characteristics to the highly rigid platform. Extensive fine-tuning of the chassis was conducted in Europe to ensure ride and handling performance meet European market preferences.

The body is an evolution fundamental design that helped carry the Suzuki SX4 to numerous awards throughout the world, including Car magazine's Car of the Year in 2006 when the model was first launched. Its high levels of bending and torsional rigidity and reinforced suspension mounts allow the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension to perform to their full potential. Wide 1,500/1,495 mm front and rear tracks (1,495/1,495 mm for 4x4 models) and 205/60R16 tyres further contribute to the stable ride quality.

Reassuring safety
The Suzuki SX4 inspires confidence with its extensive array of safety features. Active safety elements include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), standard on all models together with rear disc brakes for enhanced braking performance.

The Suzuki SX4 has an outstandingly crashworthy structure, which helped it gain four Stars for adult occupant in Euro NCAP testing. Extensive use is made of high tensile steel and tailored blanks in the car's construction to achieve strength without the penalty of added weight. Front and rear crush zones absorb impact energy, while the frame design directs much of the impact energy away from the highly reinforced cabin.

In the cabin the driver enjoys a commanding position at the wheel with a wide field of vision. Front, side and curtain airbags are provided on all models, together with front pre tensioners and force-limiters for front seatbelts; three-point belts with emergency locking retractors are provided on all rear seats and ISOFIX child seat anchor points with top tether mountings.
Suzuki SX4 also offers high levels of specific protection for pedestrians and child passengers, measures which, at launch, secured the model three-star Euro NCAP ratings in both categories, a particularly impressive result for a compact car.
Service intervals are every 9,000 miles and all Suzuki SX4's have a three year, 60,000 miles warranty in line with other Suzuki models.

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept, 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept, 2011

The American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) unveiled a turbo concept version of its Kizashi sport sedan at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The turbocharged Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept showcases the link between Suzuki's automotive division and its championship-winning motorcycles.

More Power Under the Hood
The Suzuki 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 Suzuki 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 Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept is based on the actual Suzuki superbike race design theme and highlights the vehicle's bloodline connection to the Suzuki 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 Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept uses Suzuki's Euro-spec high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.

Race-inspired Interior
The Suzuki 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.

Suzuki G70 Concept, 2012

 
  •  Suzuki G70 Concept, 2012

The Suzuki is showcasing the G70 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This model made its debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show as the REGINA, and it now wears a G70 badge which originates from a nickname adopted during the development process. While the goal of reducing CO2 emissions is an absolute must throughout automotive development, Suzuki also believes that A-segment models should always be customer-responsive. With this in mind, Suzuki has focused on developing an A-segment car with CO2 emissions no higher than 70g/km for market launch in the near future, featuring - as the name suggests - the G70's environmental technologies.

Though the Suzuki G70 is a petrol model, its fuel economy and emissions are on a par with those of a hybrid, thanks to its weight of just 730kg and a drag coefficient more than 10% lower than that of a Suzuki A-segment production model. It also features a direct-injection turbo petrol engine and an Engine Auto Stop Start system with regenerative braking. All in all, the G70's CO2 emissions do not exceed 70g/km.

Platform
The Suzuki G70's platform is light but rigid, since it has more curves than a conventional platform. The components and materials used in the G70 also reflect an uncompromising focus on lightness. As a result, the G70 weighs a mere 730kg (more than 100kg less than the Suzuki Alto).

Advanced aerodynamics
The shape of the G70 means excellent aerodynamics and greater interior comfort. A relatively upright windscreen ensures good forward visibility while directing air smoothly over the top and sides of the body. Other drag-reducing details include rear combination lamps which ensure a smooth airflow toward the rear and C-pillar garnishes which steer and adjust the airflow. The G70's drag coefficient is more than 10% lower than that of a Suzuki A-segment production model.

Powertrain

The environmental benefits of the Suzuki G70's lightness and low running resistance are complemented by a highly efficient 800cm3 turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with CVT.

Other fuel-saving technologies
An Engine Auto Stop Start system with regenerative braking saves fuel effectively by storing and reusing the G70's kinetic energy during deceleration.

The Exterior
The Suzuki G70 is not just another car with environmental features: it also has a distinctive character deriving from its "emotional" styling. The design language focuses on "premium casual", which can be interpreted as mature elegance and fine quality. The use of transparent materials and relatively bright colours creates an airy impression and succeeds in expressing the quality of a compact car with less of an environmental burden.

The Interior
A stylish, futuristic cabin incorporates a unique floating interface which provides information on navigation, audio and climate control. A transparent touch-panel display makes the information easy to read and allows easy inputs. The G70 uses the floating interface to recommend destinations and music in line with the driver's preferences - which it infers from journey data and search records. It also uses the floating interface to show friends driving nearby on a map and enables the driver to share route information with them. Driving can be much more enjoyable with this infotainment system prompted by the G70.

Colouring
Green bodywork underscores the Suzuki G70's environmental credentials. The paintwork has a deep, refined look which emphasises the car's highly contoured shape. A white finish on the roof creates a fashionable two-tone look which suits the lightweight model.

Technical specifications
  •     Overall length: 3,550mm
  •     Overall width: 1,630mm
  •     Overall height: 1,430mm
  •     Wheelbase: 2,425mm
  •     Seating capacity: 4 persons
  •     Power unit: 800cm3 direct-injection turbo petrol engine; Engine Auto Stop Start system with regenerative braking
  •     Weight: 730kg
  •     Transmission: CVT. Front-engine/front-wheel drive

Suzuki

Suzuki

Suzuki

Suzuki, 2012
= Suzuki G70 Concept

Suzuki, 2011
= Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

Suzuki, 2010
= Suzuki SX4

Suzuki

Suzuki

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Honda Accord Coupe Concept, 2012

 
 
 
 
  • Honda Accord Coupe Concept, 2012

Honda unveiled the dynamic Honda Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale in the fall of 2012.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams powertrain technologies. In addition, the V6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.
Design and Packaging

The Honda Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Honda Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Honda Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.

In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.

All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

Safety and Technological Innovations
The 2013 Accord will introduce numerous new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security. The new Accord will be available with Honda's first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Accord is targeted to earn top scores in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.

Additionally, the Accord will be equipped with several new technologies to help improve the driver's visibility around the vehicle. The Accord will be the first model to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The Accord will also receive a rearview back-up camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

The Accord has always been an exceptional value and the 2013 model will offer more standard equipment compared to the current model, including new advanced technology features. High-tech features that will be found on all 2013 Accord models include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora Internet Radio interface, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID.
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