Suzuki makes and sells a whole lot of kei-class tall wagons in Japan, thanks to the ever-popular Wagon R and all the variants it has produced. The latest micro-minivan to hit the market is the Palette, which the automaker first showed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. On sale January 30, the Palette is a tall-roofed four-passenger minivan whose key features are dual sliders (with power available on one or both sides, depending on trim level) and its low, flat load floor.

Practicality is king with cars like this, but for buyers interested in having added niceties, the list of standard and available features include keyless entry and start, HID headlamps, different stereo options, and trim-grade-specific exterior styling elements. All are typical of Suzuki’s kei car offerings, as are the availability of NA or turbocharged engines, manual and automatic gearboxes, and a choice of 2WD or 4WD. Suzuki doesn’t mention power outputs for the engines, but assuming the Palette is to be a kei car, the maximum allowable is 64 hp, which you’d get from the turbo. Chalk up another nifty little city car for Suzuki.

We’re continually fascinated with the level of innovation and practicality the Japanese are able to stuff into 660cc, 66bhp kei cars. Suzuki’s new Palette may not be the most exciting kei car to ever debut, but it scores points on practicality with dual automatic sliding doors and a completely flat load floor. More importantly, it comes in pink, which may just be the most righteous color to paint a kei car there is. Personally, I’m holding out for a pink Nissan Pao and a wardrobe full of ’70s safari-style lounge suits.

Suzuki thinks it has the right palette to paint a happy family portrait with the Palette minicar concept displayed at October’s Tokyo auto show.

The Palette is a mini tall wagon aimed at parents sharing time with their children and kids who like to have fun with their friends. To that end, the boxy mini-minivan—think Scion xB—has a cabin that can accommodate four, with a low, flat floor to better serve as a romper room. The Palette also screams family vehicle with left- and right-hand power-sliding doors à la minivans.

Unlike many of the funky designs that make the Tokyo show a crazy feast for the senses, the Palette looks production ready by comparison. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it on the road in Asia and Europe in the near future.
Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki Motor Corporation, tells us the Palette is too small for the U.S. market. But he says the automaker will monitor the success of the Suzuki Swift subcompact when it goes on sale in North America around 2010 for an indication of the appetite for small vehicles.
The Swift is a size smaller than the Suzuki SX4 that rides on a stretched Swift platform. Harano says the Swift five-door hatch (a three-door is sold elsewhere in the world but is not as likely to be sold in the U.S.) is different enough in size to not compete with the SX4, and he thinks continued high gasoline prices could create enough demand for smaller vehicles to make both vehicles sustainable.

Tokyo 2007 Preview.

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is exhibiting the Equator midsize pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show.
The Equator is Suzuki’s first midsize pickup truck for the North American market. Its launch is aimed not only at expanding the range of models offered by ASMC but also at promoting sales of Suzuki vehicles by enhancing Suzuki’s brand image in line with Suzuki’s “Way of Life!” brand strategy.

At the Chicago Auto Show, there are three Equator versions as reference exhibits: the Equator RMZ-4, which carries an offroad bike; the Equator Quad, which carries an all-terrain vehicle and was conceived for outdoor sports; and the Equator Quay, which was conceived for fishing and other water sports.

The Equator is scheduled to go on sales in the fourth quarter of 2008. To appeal to a wide range of customers, it will be available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab styles, with a choice of engines (4.0-litre V6 or 2.5-litre),s and with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Equator midsize pickup truck is based on the Nissan Frontier and will be built at the Nissan North America manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Equator name expresses the toughness and dynamism of a pickup truck by bringing to mind the harsh climate in equatorial regions and the immenseness of the planet.

Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the Suzuki 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 Suzuki 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 Suzuki 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 Suzuki 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.

According to Suzuki, this pert little number exhibits the road performance and toughness of the Jimny and the load-carrying capability of the Carrry. (Yes, Suzuki really does produce an SUV named “Jimny.”) Essentially the company is saying that the X-Head is a cross between an SUV and a pickup truck, which you might have already picked up on.

The concept looks as if it could ride on a wheelbase as short as the Carry’s (93 inches), a vehicle so small that moped maker Piaggio rebadges them for Europe. The X-Head’s big-rig styling is pug-cute. Shrinking the characteristics of a full-size thing and applying them to a tidy little package often results in something quite attractive. Call it the Eva Longoria effect.

With essentially no front or rear overhang, big ol’ mudder tires and a tiny wheelbase, the X-Head would make a wicked little off-roader. And look, a little Suzuki dirt bike fits in the bed. What a coincidence! The wall of the cargo bed conceals storage compartments accessible through fold-down body panels.

And Suzuki says that the bed can be reconfigured depending on an owner’s needs. There’s a Camper attachment to allow two people to sleep in comfort in the back. There’s a Fashion unit that allows for “stylish urban mobility.” And there’s a Rescue unit, which presumably turns the X-Head into a, uh, rescue vehicle.

This is all theoretical, though, as the X-Head is only a concept. An endearing concept. But a concept nonetheless.

Oh, the name? We haven’t the slightest idea what that’s supposed to mean. But we note that the four-point seatbelt form a sort of X shape.

X-HEAD
The X-HEAD is a cross utility vehicle offering a host of possibilities for people wanting to explore their world. Boasting a DNA borne of the legendary off-road capabilities of the Jimny and Grand Vitara and the load carrying capacity of the APV, X-HEAD epitomizes functional dependability and fun.

Suzuki on Thursday announced plans to unveil a new concept car at the New York Auto Show in two weeks. Called the Concept Kizashi 3, the car provides glimpse at the automaker’s planned design direction for a future high-end sedan.

As its name implies, the concept is the third “Kizashi” show car, and will be displayed alongside the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.

The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering.

Suzuki has already announced that it will produce three variants of the Kizashi — a wagon, CUV and sedan. The Kizashi and Kizashi 2 showcased the wagon and CUV body styles, respectively, so look for the newest concept to preview the sedan’s design.

Where as the the previous concepts were powered by diesel and V6 engines, the newest Kizashi design will reportedly be powered by a V8 engine mated to an all-wheel drive system.

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The Suzuki Makai presented at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show is the latest concept from the LIVE Series (LIfe VEhicles). The Suzuki Makai is based on the 2008 SX4 Sport and is equipped with 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tires, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers.

Concurrent with the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport production vehicle, Suzuki further expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of
brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.

With spirited colors and a playful design, Suzuki’s newest LIVE Series offering, the Suzuki Makai concept, is based on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport and has a dedicated open-car bodystyle for breezy fun-in-the-sun motoring – the perfect ingredient for an exhilarating driving experience. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, Calif.,
the Suzuki Makai’s potential is fully realized with its comprehensive list of imaginative, high-style features.

From the ground up, its large 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tires, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers further enhance the Suzuki Makai’s wide, aggressive stance. Adorned with multi-step sunset orange paint, custom body kit, styled exhaust, and LED taillights and running lamps, the Suzuki Makai’s exterior is sure to turn curious heads.

Beachgoers and surf aficionados will enjoy the ride to the beach just as much as the beach itself with Suzuki Makai’s custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop further enhances the Suzuki Makai’s sporty open-air look.

The Suzuki Makai’s al fresco cabin is complete with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, high output, beach party-themed VeaLink audio
system with MTX speakers and components, dashboard-integrated Garmin® navigation system, Kinetik Power Cell battery, StreetWires audio/video install kit and cabling, Momo Sport steering wheel and color-keyed interior accent lighting.

This is COOL!!!!!!!

Peogeot Rally Car 207 WRC

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Toyota Corolla WRC.