Turbocharged Suzuki SX4s Fly in the Face of Economy

BREA, CA. – American Suzuki Motor Corp. will bring to the New York International Auto Show and the area’s automotive enthusiast community two performance takes on its now well-established volume leaders, the SX4 Crossover and SX4 Sport. In combination with Suzuki’s 2009 production lineup, including the versatile Grand Vitara compact SUV, value-packed XL7 midsize crossover and rugged – and award winning – Equator pickup truck, Suzuki’s 2009 New York International Auto Show display promises to blow away attendees looking for both affordable, entry-level pricing and high-flying fun.

Catering to requests from enthusiasts, Suzuki elected to take the SX4 Crossover’s outstanding capability to the next level in performance. While constituting a viable alternative – with raised ride height and standard roof rack – for the consumer interested in crossover attributes, the SX4’s unit structure and standard all-wheel drive appeared willing and able for an aspirational dose of additional horsepower. In cooperation with Road Race Motorsports, Suzuki proposed an on-the-road response to the question, “What if?” The answer – dubbed Zuk – was upfitted with Road Race’s proprietary turbo kit (and 300 horsepower), while the chassis benefits from sport springs, 19-inch alloy wheels and asphalt-specific rubber. Its sheetmetal mods are inspired by Suzuki’s iconic Hayabusa and GSX-R sportbikes, with ground effects, mirrors and exhausts conveying two-wheeled excitement in a still-practical five-door package.

Reinforcing the link between the company’s motorcycle heritage and lineup of fun-to-drive vehicles is the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept based on the four-door SX4 Sport. Sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine boasting more than 250 horsepower, the SXForce features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint, along with a number of motorcycle-inspired accents, including sportbike-style rearview mirrors and dual exhaust outlets.

Suzuki’s full line of 2009 vehicles includes the adventurous Equator pickup truck, stylish four-door SX4 Sport, bold and functional five-door SX4 Crossover, versatile XL7 midsize crossover and aggressively freshened – and still rugged – Grand Vitara compact SUV. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki’s standout virtues of toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2009 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

About Suzuki The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. .