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Official: New entry-level Caterham Seven to get turbo’d Suzuki 3-cylinder

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, MISC

Caterham's next entry level car will have a 660cc Suzuki three-cylinder engine.

Caterham is lowering the price and adding lightness to its newest entry-level Seven, with a sub-17,000-pound ($26,061) window sticker and a new engine from Suzuki, a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder mill that will produce less horsepower than the current 125-hp entry level model (it was not mentioned if the Suzuki-powered Seven will replace any models). The new, lightweight engine complements a re-engineered chassis featuring major suspension revisions.

Without releasing actual horsepower or fuel efficiency numbers, the automaker said in a release that the Suzuki engine is the smallest, cleanest and most efficient engine ever used in a Seven. That’s not surprising when considering that the engine we suspect Caterham will be using was designed for Suzuki’s kei cars in Japan, such as the MR, which are restricted to a maximum of 660cc and 63 hp.

“Our intention for this car is to offer the joy of the Seven in distilled form, so the new entry-level car is lighter, cheaper, more economical and more accessible than ever,” says Caterham Cars CEO Graham Macdonald. Check out the press release below for a few more details, and sit tight for word on North American availability.

Continue reading New entry-level Caterham Seven to get turbo’d Suzuki 3-cylinder

New entry-level Caterham Seven to get turbo’d Suzuki 3-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: VW, Suzuki mulling rekindling relationship in face of legal battle

Filed under: Government/Legal, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Suzuki and Volkswagen Grilles

Volkswagen and Suzuki have been undergoing marriage counseling in a bid to avoid finalizing their nasty divorce. The union has been troubled for some time, with Volkswagen claiming that it could affect operational decisions at Suzuki, and the Japanese brand’s sniping and constant flirting with a certain Italian temptress causing rifts.

The matter first went to court in 2012, when Suzuki demanded VW get out, and leave its 19.9-percent stake in the Japanese brand in a box to the left. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the company will give the relationship one last shot, according to closed-door dealings between the two in London.

Still, it’s understood that VW and Suzuki recognize the benefit of their alliance, and that it’d be in the best interests of ~~the kids~~ both parties to make things work. Spokespeople declined to comment to AN, but the newsmagazine spoke with Frank Biller, an analyst for LBBW in Stuttgart, who said, “Both companies stand to benefit if they can overcome the disagreements over leadership claims.”

This argument over who wears the pants in the relationship has the potential to make or break the partnership, as sources close to the discussions told AN that if an agreement can’t be reached, then a London-based arbitrator could get involved.

Suzuki last made waves when it up and pulled out of the US and Canadian markets last year after declaring bankruptcy.

VW, Suzuki mulling rekindling relationship in face of legal battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jul 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Suzuki

The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation on the 2006-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-11 Suzuki SX4 due to issues with the airbag and seatbelt for the front passenger seat. So far, NHTSA has received 128 complaints on these vehicles for airbag warning lights, airbag off lights and seatbelt lights, on a vehicle set that totals around 205,000 units, but there is no indication as to how many, if any, injuries have reported.

Via technical service bulletins, Suzuki has already acknowledged two airbag-related issues with front passenger seats on both vehicles, including a programming error for the passenger seat load indicator on 2009 models and an open-circuit problem for the sensor mat that determines if an adult or child is sitting in the front seat. Since this latter issue would not shut off or lessen the impact of the passenger airbag, Suzuki has already extended the warranty for the seat cushion bottom to 10 years or 120,000 miles. After ceasing new-car sales in the US and Canada, potential recall repairs (which still may or may not happen) would be handled by remaining dealers as laid out in the recent court-approved bankruptcy plan.

205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Suzuki back in MotoGP for 2015

Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki, Motorcycle, Racing

It had been planned for 2014 but it’s going to be 2015 instead – that’s when Suzuki returns to the manufacturer ranks of MotoGP after quitting the series at the end of 2011 because of The Great Recession. When Suzuki stopped after 37 continuous years of racing, it said it intended to return three years later and it has been in talks with MotoGP’s rights holder, Dorna Sports, since last year. No doubt, though, that fan anticipation of the team’s return outdoes any dismay at the delay. It will join Yamaha, Honda and Ducati in the premiere league.

Its bike has already been testing in Japan and was with the official MotoGP tribe in Barcelona, Spain on Monday when Suzuki announced its return. It’s said the development bike is called the XRH-1, being ridden by official tester Randy de Puniet (who currently races in MotoGP on an Aprilia-based bike with TeamAspar). and after a day of testing de Puniet got the new Suzuki to within seven-tenths of a second of the top time posted by other MotoGP teams. Davide Brivio, who once ran the Fiat-Yamaha team and has been close with Valentino Rossi, will be the team manager.

Speaking of Rossi, The Doctor is back with Fiat-Yamaha after a bad run with Ducati but is only contracted to the end of 2014. Brivio is the man who got Rossi to join Fiat-Yamaha, then got him to Ducati. Until he took the head of Suzuki’s works effort, Brivio was working with Rossi’s VR46 management company, heading areas like merchandising. The rumormill has already begun its work, with folks wondering if Rossi will head to Suzuki in 2015 if his second stint at Yamaha doesn’t prove fruitful before then. Scroll down below for the official press release from Suzuki.

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Suzuki back in MotoGP for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Suzuki makes a Kizashi Turbo, calls it the Apex concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Suzuki

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki has often flirted with the idea of strapping a turbocharger to the Kizashi, and it’s once again putting it at the front of our minds with this, the Apex concept, here at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

The Kizashi Apex uses a Garrett turbocharger, air-to-liquid intercooler and a recalibrated ECU to produce an estimated 275 to 300 horsepower, mated solely to a six-speed manual transmission. To communicate that grunt to the road, Suzuki has fitted the Apex with a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky 245-series Yokohama tires.

As for the graphics package, the livery is pulled from the Japanese automaker’s GSX-R race motorcycles, tying the Apex to Suzuki’s racier roots. Of course, the car is simply a concept for now, but we’re crossing our fingers that it makes it to production… somehow.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept: New York 2011

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept

New York 2011: Suzuki makes a Kizashi Turbo, calls it the Apex concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge and Apex concepts bow in New York [w/video]

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Suzuki

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is building a car that we wish more people knew about – the Kizashi. The automaker’s mid-size sedan was featured in Suzuki’s first-ever Super Bowl ad, a modified version set a Bonneville speed record and the stock car traveled a grueling trail from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Now, Suzuki has prepared two new concept versions, showing us what might be in store for the Kizashi down the road. And believe us, are fingers are crossed that these two make it to production.

First up, the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept is a hybrid sedan that adds a touch of style to a segment rarely getting that extra dash of curb appeal. (Sorry, Ford Fusion Hybrid – you aren’t nearly as pretty as this thing.) Traditional gasoline oomph is provided courtesy of a 2.0-liter inline-four, while a 15-kilowatt motor and 115-volt, air-cooled, lithium-ion battery give the EcoCharge its electric giddy-up. Suzuki says the combination is good for a 25 percent increase over the standard Kizashi’s 30-mile-per-gallon highway fuel-economy rating. But it’s not just the hybrid powertrain providing the MPG lift – the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept is fitted with start/stop, has regenerative braking and wears low-rolling resistance tires.

To help it stand apart from its standard Kizashi siblings, Suzuki has gussied up the exterior of the EcoCharge. Unique headlights, LEDs in the fascia and a white satin paint job communicate that this Kizashi has something else going on. The LEDs also help communicate that this is still a concept, since we don’t think the local authorities would be too fond of the blue lights up front (they’re illegal, y’all).

The EcoCharge wasn’t the only sedan on the stand. On the other end of the spectrum, the automaker debuted something more focused on outright performance rather than efficiency.

Continue reading Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge and Apex concepts bow in New York…

Continue reading Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge and Apex concepts bow in New York [w/video]

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge and Apex concepts bow in New York [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Suzuki

suzuki mighty boy

Suzuki Mighty Boy with LS1 V8 power – Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The JDM kei-sized Suzuki Mighty Boy from the 1980s weighed about 1,100 pounds and typically packed no more than 30 horsepower. What happens, then, when the only extra weight you add to the mix are a pair of fat rear tires and a General Motors LS1 V8? A lot of smoky burnouts, that’s for sure.

Beyond the jump are three videos of the Mighty Boy crop-dusting fans in the stands. They may not be the newest, but we’ve never seen them before, and hopefully you haven’t either. The first clip is a minute long and every ounce of the Mighty Boy’s massive rear tires is shredded clear off the wheels. The second clip is two minutes, and you can expect more burnouts with a bunch of donuts mixed in. The last clip is only 27 seconds long, but six tire-smoking burnouts in that time-frame look like they’re taking place in a video game. We can almost smell the rubber from here. Hit the jump to watch for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts

Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki bringing two Kizashi concepts to New York Auto Show

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

2010 Suzuki Kizashi – Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is hoping to jumpstart its slow-selling Kizashi with two concepts that will debut at the New York International Auto Show. Suzuki says that the cars will each feature a different “advanced propulsion system,” though they aren’t dropping many hints as to what that may mean.

Whatever it is, Suzuki’s New York show display will be advanced propulsion-themed, and all will become clear soon enough.

There aren’t any photos of the cars available yet, but Suzuki says one will be a “socially-conscious sedan,” while the other will be a rowdy tribute to Suzuki’s motorcycling heritage. We haven’t quite figured out what that means, either. Whatever the cars wind up looking like, Suzuki says it will debut them during its press conference at the show.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

[Source: Suzuki]

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Suzuki bringing two Kizashi concepts to New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Suzuki Swift S-Concept puts its money where its name is

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift S-Concept - Geneva debut

Suzuki Swift S-Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki Swift is a genuinely good car, standing as something of an exception in Suzuki’s lineup until recent additions like the SX4 and Kizashi came along. But calling it “swift” might be a bit of wishful thinking, if not a huge exaggeration. Enter the Swift S-Concept, which Suzuki has just presented at the Geneva Motor Show.

Few details have been released as to what has gone into the S-Concept and where it’s going, but anyone can tell straight off the bat that it’s a Swift taken to the extreme. In fact, it looks as close to an S2000-spec racer for the street as we’ve seen in some time, sporting 18-inch wheels, aerodynamic upgrades, Recaro racing buckets… the works.

The result looks good. Seriously good. Which is sadly probably more than we can say for its production prospects. But for the company behind such an eclipsing Pikes Peak campaign, with the right mechanical upgrades to match the sporting pretensions of its own styling, a hotter Swift could be just the ticket to inject some much-needed excitement into its range.

Check it out in the gallery of live images from the show floor below, and the stock shots in the gallery below that.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift S-Concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Suzuki Swift S-Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Suzuki Swift S-Concept puts its money where its name is

Geneva 2011: Suzuki Swift S-Concept puts its money where its name is originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Suzuki

suzuki swift stop-motion build video screen grab

Suzuki Swift comes to life one frame at a time – Click above to watch video after the jump

It may be calling out for some Peter Gabriel backing-music, but Michal Bakiewicz has put together what may be our new favorite “watch a car come to life” video to date.

This stop-motion clip captures a Suzuki Swift as it goes from pile-o-parts to race-ready hatchback. The entire garage springs to life and, as the seasons changes, a new racecar is born. Click past the jump to watch the frame-by-frame action. Impressive work, Michal.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style

Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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