Suzuki cars

2011 Suzuki Regina Concept

Suzuki’s line-up of cars that will be displayed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show strongly suggests the direction these guys are planning to go: "Let’s do away with the high-performance and focus on future global compact cars!"

One of the models that’s scheduled to be in attendance is the Suzuki Regina Concept, a lightweight minicar that Suzuki is promoting as a future city-dweller. The Regina’s exterior design hints at the green initiative the company going for. The Lime Green paint finish is a pretty strong indication of that, as is the the overall shape of the car that makes it look like a turtle.

All joking aside, the set-up is pretty cool, especially the contrasting white roof that adds a touch of flavor to the car without being a little too flashy. Apparently, the Regina Concept also has small rear view cameras tucked into the rear and semi-covered rear wheels that are made possible by the odd crease lines on the body panels.

Inside, the Regina Concept also carries the same two-color finish of the exterior, which, when combined to the dark grey surfaces, adds a serene and earthy tone. There’s not much to go around inside, which might suggest a minimalistic approach from Suzuki. All you can really take from it is that it’s got a 2+2 seating configuration and a seemingly out-of-place steering wheel, a tilted center-mounted display that appears to be transparent, and pixelated patterns on the seats and floor mats.

More details about the Regina Concept will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show so be sure to be around when that happens in December!

2011 Suzuki Q Concept

Over the past few years, the Tokyo Motor Show has been kind of a dud because of a number circumstances beyond its control. This year promises to be different and a number of automakers have already previewed some very interesting concepts that will debut in Tokyo next month.

One of these brands is Suzuki, the local Japanese automaker that’s set to preview its new urban vehicle, the Q-Concept.

Described as a new kind of mobility solution, the Q Concept is a tiny 1+1 urban car that can be transformed with two small rear seats that can be completely taken off to accommodate for a larger cargo space in the rear. The Q Concept is replete with unique features, highlighted by a pair of circular doors that open by swiveling around the front-positioned pivot point. Then there’s the rear side window, which has been contoured, forming a panel that slides up and to the rear, providing access to the rear seat.

And we haven’t even gotten to the exterior finish of the car; the combination of white, mixed with elements of orange, provide a spunky look to what already looks like a Jetson-type mode of transportation.

Meanwhile, the interior of the Q Concept features a panoramic windshield that extends upwards to the rood. Two lower side windows also add to the prevalent use of transparent surfaces. The dashboard of the Q Concept also speaks to the car’s circular graphic theme, while the H-shaped steering wheel and the HUD-inspired instrument panel adds plenty of technological - and concept worthy - attractions.

The Suzuki Q Concept will be fully unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, providing us a good glimpse at the future of Suzuki vehicles. Stick around for all the details when they become available!

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept

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."

Top Gear USA: Season 2 Episode 6

This week’s episode of Top Gear is probably the most disgusting episode we have ever seen. The guys were faced with the challenge of finding the best car for $500 and driving them 500 miles from Santa Monica to Twin Peaks in San Francisco. At first, we could only imagine just how crappy these cars were, then the Top Gear crew let us know.

In addition to the foul $500 car challenge, Ruttledge Wood was given the chance to review the scintillating Cadillac CTS-V in all three body styles: coupe, sedan, and wagon. The wagon was by far Rutt’s favorite and he was absolutely clear on that.

We were also treated to Maroon 5’s Adam Levine as he cruised around the Top gear test track in the show’s Suzuki SX4. His driving may not have been top notch, but he was extremely successful at cursing up a storm.

Hit the jump for details on Top Gear USA: Season 2 Episode 6.

Top Gear USA: Season 2 Episode 5

Right off the bat, we have to admit that this week’s episode of Top Gear USA was a lot funnier than any other episode this season. The majority of the episode was spent trying to figure out which of the three hosts chose a better luxury car. However, instead of being the long and drawn out segment as found in previous episodes, this challenge made us laugh out loud a few times. The guys were driving around the Hamptons in a 1972 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a 1982 Jaguar XJS, and a 1988 Pontiac Fiero turned Ferrari 308. Oh yeah, the Hamptonites just loved that.

In between the search for the best luxury car for $5,000, Tanner Foust got to take a spin in "the Beast," the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Torchwood star, Arlene Tur took a speedy trip around the Top Gear test track in the Suzuki SX4.

Hit the jump for full details on Top Gear USA: Season 2 Episode 5.

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki will be unveiling the new generation Suzuki Swift Sport at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Compared to the original Swift Sport launched in 2006, the new model has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look, with a low-slung form and a big front grille. The interior will offer a high-quality look and feel, as well as design features that heighten excitement about the driving experience.

The model will be powered by a 1.6-liter M16A engine - developed exclusively for the Swift Sport model. The new engine will be mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission. Also, thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design, the new Swift Sport will offer superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling.

The list of safety features will include: a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body, seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag), and an ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Apex Turbo Concept

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.

2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept

Suzuki has big plans for its flagship model, the Kizashi. That much we already know. What we didn’t expect though was that the model would be branching out with different variants.

At the New York Auto Show, the Japanese automaker further cemented their intention of giving its customers new options for the sedan by unveiling a couple of concept cars tied up to its name.

One of these concepts is the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept, a hybrid vehicle Suzuki is preparing to compete against the likes of the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, among other hybrid cars out on the market these days.

While Suzuki hasn’t had any discussions on the production plans for the car, we’d be very surprised if this model doesn’t get greenlighted for production soon, especially when you consider that the market is ripe for other brands to enter and give its established rivals a run for their money.

Either way, its looking more and more likely that the hybrid wars will have to make room for another vehicle.

Details on the Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept after the jump.

2011 Suzuki Swift Samurai Design

Who said the automotive world stops when the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors?

For one, Japanese automaker Suzuki doesn’t seem to think so. While a lot of its contemporaries will be heading to Geneva in full force with their latest automotive offerings – to be fair, the company’s going to be there too – Suzuki will be pulling the covers off of a limited edition Swift that will be exclusively sold in Italy.

The model, which is being called the Swift Samurai Design, was on full display in a number of dealerships in Italy on February 27th and 28th, 2011. The Swift Samurai Design will be based on the ‘Style’ trim level of the five-door Swift and will come with a number of special details to go along with whole ‘Samurai Design’ theme. For starters, the car will be painted with a ‘Red Passion’ exterior finish with the roof and the side mirrors sporting the old Imperial Flag of Japan. Then there’s the matter of the tinted windows, the black pillars, and the custom logos found on each side of the car. Unfortunately, the car will only be limited to these aesthetic designs and will not come with any mechanical or performance upgrades. What that means is that the car will be sporting the same 1.2-liter Dual VVT engine that produces 94 horsepower.

2011 Suzuki Swift S-Concept

The last time the Suzuki Swift was sold in the US, Facebook wasn’t born yet, Britney Spears was still the biggest name in music, and America just experienced the worst terrorist act on US soil.

Time sure has passed, hasn’t it?

While Suzuki has yet to reveal details as to whether the Swift will be making a comeback in the US, the Japanese automaker has nevertheless gone ahead with plans of introducing a concept version of the Swift at the Geneva Motor Show.

Called the Swift S-Concept, the car is being positioned as a sporty and aggressive coming-of-age model from the Japanese automaker’s Swift model. Judging from the teaser photos Suzuki released, the S-Concept does have some aesthetic attitude to it, especially with the feline-looking front fascia and the presence of what appears to be a rear roof spoiler.

Overall, the Swift S-Concept looks the part of what Suzuki is hoping to build on for their future models. It’s got style, class, and a bonafide mean streak, qualities that should bode well for what a production version could look like.

Details on the Suzuki Swift S-Concept after the jump.