American Suzuki Drives into 2002 SEMA Show as their Newest OEM Member

LAS VEGAS, SEMA Booth Number: 31747, Nov. 5, 2002; Entering into the arena of specialized vehicles as the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association's (SEMA) newest original equipment manufacturer, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) will display an array of its one-of-a-kind vehicles at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Suzuki flexes its muscles at the show by featuring the customized Suzuki Aerio SX Sport Concept Car, its Formula Hayabusa open-wheel race car and a customized Hayabusa motorcycle in its first-ever show display, located on the upper level of the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth number 31747.

Suzuki/MA Audio Aerio SX Sport concept Car

This fresh, edgy Aerio SX Sport Concept was put together with the help of aftermarket supplier MA Audio in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., who first went to work on the stereo. The system has a seven-inch-wide thin film transistor (TFT) monitor (MA2170) and an Optiview 2.5-inch rearview mirror monitor. Both are driven by a DVD/SVCD/CD/MP3 multimedia player. For clean bass, a pair of 12-inch DVC subwoofers were used and are installed in a custom carbon Kevlar(TM) enclosure. All are powered by a mono-block high-current amplifier.

For the mids and highs, two pairs of the Synergy 5.25-inch two-way full-range speakers were used in the stock positions and are powered by a two-channel high-current amplifier. A half-DIN parametric equalizer was mounted in-dash to allow for greater control of the system.

After the audio/visual system was complete, other key appearance and performance areas were attacked with the help of several other aftermarket sponsors. To sharpen the handling, ALT 18-inch wheels shod with Falken 215/35R18 tires are suspended by a set of InTrax drop springs.

To help the motor breathe, Advanced Engine Management (AEM) supplied a short ram air intake system. Other performance enhancements come by way of an Hasegawa, Kitagawa, and Sigma (HKS) Camp CPU and a CGS "cat-back" exhaust.

Dress-up on this specialized Aerio crossover model comes by way of Genuine Suzuki Accessories, including rear hatch center spoiler, rear bumper protection sheet, doorsill guards, chrome valve stem caps and door lock knobs, and a chrome Aerio license plate frame. Tenzo rally-type sport seats offer a sporty alternative to the standard seats. In addition, this racy yellow car sports an APC shift knob, steering wheel, pedals and fog lights, while Optima supplied two yellow-top batteries. APC also keeps the driver informed with oil temperature, battery voltage, water temperature, vacuum, and tachometer gauges.

Formula Hayabusa

In addition to the Aerio SX Sport Concept car, SEMA attendees will be treated to see one of the most unique vehicles in the world -- part motorcycle and part car -- the Formula Hayabusa is Suzuki Sports' open-wheeled offering for a new Japanese one-make racing series. Though not currently available in the United States, the Formula Hayabusa highlights Suzuki innovation and expertise in performance technology by melding motorcycle and car technology into one vehicle.

At the heart of the Formula Hayabusa lies the same motor and transmission sported by the GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle. In the bike racing world, the Suzuki Hayabusa is king, topping out in excess of 190 mph. The motor's 175 horsepower comes at 9,800 rpm, and 102 lb.-ft. of torque are available at 7,000 rpm, well shy of its roaring 11,000 rpm redline.

On the car side the Formula Hayabusa's clutch master cylinder, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator and pumps, air cleaner element, brake assemblies, knuckles, hubs, steering-rod end, and battery are lifted directly from current Suzuki production vehicles.

Customized Hayabusa Motorcycle

The legendary Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle was already the ultimate sport bike -- The Hayabusa acquired its unique name from a Japanese falcon for diving at speeds over 186 mph, but now the fastest stock motorcycle in the world takes on an even more aggressive personality for SEMA. This one-of-a-kind bike features an AP Designs original paint job, several Genuine Suzuki Accessories and some performance-enhancing contributions from Yoshimura R&D USA.

On the SEMA bike, a carbon fiber front fender, carbon fiber chain guard and fork trim have replaced the stock parts. These Genuine Suzuki Accessories are stronger and lighter, giving the Suzuki owner increased durability and performance. A soft and supportive gel seat from Genuine Suzuki Accessories has been installed to make this sleek and stylish bike more comfortable.

Yoshimura R&D USA bumped the horsepower up to more than 190 by adding a special titanium exhaust system. Then they added an engine management system with shift light. For the final touch, Yoshimura contributed billet aluminum rear set foot controls made from solid block aluminum, allowing the rider a tighter tuck position and enhanced lean control.

Suzuki's Varied Product Line Offers Customization Potential

In addition to the Aerio, the Suzuki sport-utility vehicles -- the XL-7, Grand Vitara and Vitara -- offer countless customization possibilities and are more appealing than ever to drivers who want to own a distinctive vehicle with the potential to be one-of-a-kind.

Suzuki recognizes the ever-burgeoning popularity of sport compacts and hopes that membership in SEMA and its first display at the 2002 show is just the beginning of further involvement in this hot segment. The Aerio SX Sport Concept Car on display demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to further explore customer feedback, while the Formula Hayabusa stands as a testament to Suzuki's commitment to pure performance in automobiles and motorcycles, as well as the company's outside-the-box thinking.

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of approximately 430 automotive dealerships in 49 states. SMC, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 190 countries.

Note: In the exciting world of vehicle modifications, these vehicles show the potential of Suzuki products. Every altered production vehicle, however, must be done to exacting standards to ensure that the vehicle's safety, reliability, and overall performance remain intact.