It’s time to take a little break from all of the Camaro and Mustang tuning projects debuting at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show to take a quick look at a different type of concept. The Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept was developed by students at Ohio Technical College and is definitely something that would cathc the eyes of just about anybody. The Marine Concept is based on a 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara and uses a unique convertible design, a cool exterior paint scheme, a Suzuki outboard motor, and over-sized chrome wheels wrapped in toyo off-road tires.
As if those features weren’t enough, the Marine Concept also includes a bull bar bumper with a winch, bar side steps, a hood scoop, a shaved door handle kit, LED underbody and headlights, a Hydro cell provided by Hydro Fuel 2 Go, and chrome exhaust tips. Adding to the oceanic design is an ocean liner horn and a surfboard rear view mirror, while technological additions include a DVD headrest entertainment system, a backup camera, and hydrogen generator electronics provided by Square One Energy.
"The Grand Vitara Marine Concept exemplifies the unique combination of passion and innovation, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the finished product," said Jeff Holland, director of public relations and social media, American Suzuki. "It was a pleasure working with the students at Ohio Technical College, and we hope this motivates other groups to creatively express themselves and the passion they have for Suzuki and the automotive industry."
A few weeks ago, GPS manufacturer Garmin issued a recall on its Nuvi portable navigation systems after it was discovered that the batteries in these units have the potential to overheat and could, in a worst-case scenario, result in the system catching fire.
It also just so happened that Suzuki has three vehicles in its line-up that use the aforementioned Garmin GPS – the SX4, the Grand Vitara, and the Equator – and as such will also be issuing a recall of the cars to fix the malfunction at the soonest possible time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 20,000 of these Suzuki vehicles ranging from the 2008-2010 SX4, the 2010 Grand Vitara, and the 2009-2010 Equator, will be recalled beginning this month with Garmin technicians on hand to replace the malfunctioning batteries “by replacing the battery and inserting a space on top od the battery” at no cost to the customers.
So, if you own any one of these models, you can contact either Garmin (1-866-957-1981) or Suzuki (1-887-697-8985) for further information on the impending recall.
NHTSA Press Release after the jump.
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In the first half of 2010, no one word has had a more profound effect on the auto industry as the word ’recall’. Just about every automaker on the planet has had an encounter with it one way or the other and, as it turns out, it’s Suzuki’s turn.
The Japanese automaker is in the process of recalling 46,549 units of its 2006 Grand Vitara and 2005-2006 models of the XL-7 SUVs because of a defective hydraulic power assist steering pump that could lead to serious trouble for owners of the aforementioned models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the warning after finding out that the plastic tension adjuster pulley found in these models could deteriorate over time leading to pieces of the pulley breaking off and dislodging the steering belt, which would then make it extremely difficult for the SUVs to steer.
So if you have any of these two models, you can have them fixed at your nearest Suzuki dealer where they will replace the steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley - that’s a long name for a car part - free of charge.
Press Release after the jump
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Until now customer opting for a diesel powered Suzuki Grand Vitara have been restricted in their choice to the larger 5-door bodystyle.But from April, a new 3-door model joins the range.The new model will be priced at a competitive £14,999 on-the-road.
The new 1.9 DDiS Grand Vitara adopts the drivetrain of the manual transmission 5-door models.The car supplements permanent four-wheel drive with a centre differential lock and a low range to ensure serious and outstanding off road (...)
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Over the past decade, Suzuki’s Grand Vitara-along with the Vitara, and the Sidekick that preceded it-has earned a reputation as a capable little sport-utility vehicle that’s buff enough for real off-roading yet extremely easy to park and city-friendly. But almost anyone who drove it would agree that there were several sore points-most notably ride comfort, seating space, noise, and too many, looks.
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