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Gracing the Suzuki stand at the New York Auto Show is a concept car that should have us clamoring for a production version sooner rather than later. Joining the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept in New York is the Kizashi Apex Concept, a turbocharged version of the Kizashi that Subaru built and designed to not only come with improved performance dynamics, but to also show the link between the company’s automotive division and its long-standing and highly competitive motorcycle division. Dressed in a colorful racing livery that makes you feel that it’s itching for some pavement, the Kizashi Apex Concept is all about performance. While the stock engine of the model remains intact, the Japanese automaker added a plethora of add-ons - specifically a Garrett turbocharger - to make the car primed and ready for a good ol’ fashion throwdown. If you won’t take our word for it, hear it straight from the horse’s mouth: "Our turbo-equipped concept leverages the already-exceptional Kizashi platform and infuses it with a substantial boost," said Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for Suzuki’s US division. "The Kizashi Apex Concept will further elevate our flagship sedan in the U.S. among enthusiasts who crave added power and performance." Truer words have never been spoken. Details on the Suzuki Kizashi Apex Turbo Concept after the jump. Exterior and Interior Drawing on a styling package that was inspired by the design of the Suzuki GSX-R superbike, the Kizashi Apex Concept was dressed with a race-inspired livery to go with LED foglights, Euro-spec high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a set of 19” alloy wheels with Yokohama S.Drive 245/35-R19 tires. Over at the interior, Suzuki notched up the luxurious feel of the car by adding laser blue Alcantara accents on both the sport seats and the steering wheel. Performance While the overall make-up of the car was largely left untouched, the engine under its hood is where the party’s at. From a stock 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, Suzuki gave the Kizashi Apex Concept a Garrett turbocharger unit, an air-to-liquid intercooler, an electric boost control, and a remapped ECU. All of these added options bump up the car’s overall output to around 275-300 horsepower with a maximum boost of 8.5 psi. Pricing The only downside – and it’s a big one for those salivating for this car – is that, for now at least, the car isn’t scheduled for production. Not that we won’t ever see a turbocharged Kizashi on the road ever, but feel free to lower your expectations... for the mean time. Competition Wouldn’t it be great to see the Kizashi Apex Concept in the starting line opposite a Lancer Evo X? If only to see how Suzuki’s turbocharged Kizashi will fare against Mitsubishi’s prized sportscar, we’d pay to see that happen. The tale of the tape is pretty even considering that the latter comes with a 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 291 horsepower. These numbers are pretty much dead-on with what the Kizashi Apex Concept has so for the benefit of questioning minds like us, we’d like Suzuki and Mitsubishi to arrange something so we can see if the upstart Kizashi Apex Concept has what it takes to throttle the long-standing Evo X. Let’s do it, fellas!   Nice alternative to the Evo X
300 horsepower is nice
Alcantara trim on the interior adds luxury touch
No plans for production
Overall design left untouched
Can it usurp its long-standing competition?
15 comments: Suzuki Kizashi Apex Turbo Concept The car skin is fully dressed and ready to race. The exterior design is very sporty but I like the touch of elegance in the interior.
 The trimming on this car adds to the luxurious appearance of the car. The 300hp is great. Why they are not planning the production of this car?
 It looks so sporty on its graphic design, which is looking very cool with it. The front grille of it, is also looking great either. However, I noticed that Suzuki didn’t have any plan to put it in production.
 It is already looks so cool on its graphic design, but for the fact that it is a race car, I think that its engine is not enough, so it could have an awesome speed performance.
 I’m impressed with the angst of this concept, well I hope that they would really put this one on the market production, and I don’t think that the engine that it had is quite good enough for it.
 One of the special sporty elevated concept car. Definitely speedy car and as of the its engine performance no questions about it. Overall nice race car.
 Since it is a sports car, I’m looking for the specs of this car, and I do not see anything that will add to the attitude of being a sports car. Though it looks sporty, the engine is not that impressive. A 300 HP will not be enough to compete in a race.
 I’m just wondering why they put some designs on the car. It’s not a sports car .
If it is, it’s good looking but we all know that it’s not so why is that?
 Well, it’s really a good thing that they have finally given the green light on this one. I would say that I really like the car the first time that I have seen it, and I really hoped that it would go on production.
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Posted on
03.13.2012 @ 06:23