Suzuki Blog
Suzuki Regina concept renamed G70, production version coming?Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki, Design/Style 
The Suzuki Regina concept shown at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show was an unusual little car. We don't want to get our hopes up about production (especially since we'd probably never get it in America anyway), but the Regina will return to the spotlight at the Geneva Motor Show with some tweaks that have us wondering if Suzuki plans to actually build the French-looking runabout. Despite its bold styling, the Regina's drivetrain seems plausible enough; it's powered by a conventional three-cylinder gasoline engine.
The Regina will apparently be renamed G70 when it's shown in Switzerland. Tokyo publicity for the car centered around the five-door as "an idea for a 1,600-pound sedan that gets 75 miles per gallon." Suzuki has officially pegged the weight of the G70 at 730 kg, or 1,606 pounds. The "70" in the name likely comes from its 70g/km of carbon emissions, but Suzuki hasn't divulged its numbers yet. Follow the jump for a press release on the G70 concept.Continue reading Suzuki Regina concept renamed G70, production version coming? Suzuki Regina concept renamed G70, production version coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki shows slushy Super Bowl commercial in advanceFiled under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Suzuki 
You won't have to wait until February 5 to see the new Suzuki Super Bowl commercial, as it's hit the automaker's YouTube channel in advance. Featuring an Eskimo who trades in his sled on an all-wheel-drive Kizashi, it's fun and decidedly more upbeat than last year's marauding snowmen.
Still, we kind of prefer the snowmen, which were more unconventional than the Eskimo ad's predictable plot. This year's ad also embraces two of the major Super Bowl ad tropes of recent years: adorable dogs and bickering couples. Neither of which is likely to win Suzuki any points for creativity.
Regardless, we have to admit that sliding a Kizashi at opposite lock across the frozen tundra looks like fun, and we think the underappreciated Suzuki is worthy of some extra attention. Click past the jump to watch the commercial in its entirety.Continue reading Suzuki shows slushy Super Bowl commercial in advance Suzuki shows slushy Super Bowl commercial in advance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMaruti Suzuki Swift Dzire sedan may have world's shortest trunkFiled under: Budget, Sedan, Suzuki, India 
While some would have you believe that Americans are unique in their general preference for traditional betrunked sedans over hatchbacks, don't let them sway you. There are plenty of markets in the world where trunklids are preferred to tailgates. But while sedans are typically viewed as larger than hatchbacks, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.
The product of a Suzuki joint venture in India (which is by itself the largest automaker on the subcontinent), the Swift Dzire is the new sedan version of the nimble little hatchback available in overseas markets. And while the previous-generation version appeared to have added a trunk as an appendage off the back of a Swift, the new version looks like it just lost the upper part of the hatch for what looks like the smallest trunk this side of a newborn elephant. (Cue the ballpark organ music.)
The reason for the Dzire's shortening from one model year to the next is not apparently in an effort to boost sales, as the model already reportedly has a waiting list, but to take advantage of Indian government regulations that more heavily taxes vehicles over four meters in length. Check out additional photos of the Dzire over at IndianAutosBlog.Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire sedan may have world's shortest trunk originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsKizashi to return to Super Bowl in new ad from Suzuki [w/video] [UPDATED]Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Suzuki 
Suzuki is about as small as automakers get here in the United States, even if its parent company does mad business in Japan and other parts of the world. So when the scrappy purveyor of the SX4 and Grand Vitara says it will again be ponying up for Super Bowl ads featuring its Kizashi mid-size sedan, it raises some eyebrows, including ours.
Super Bowl ads are notoriously expensive, and Suzuki sold just 26,619 vehicles in the U.S. in 2011. Based on last year's $2.8-$3 million ad cost estimates, that would be over $100 per vehicle. But Suzuki's 2011 ads only aired in 14 targeted markets, presumably bringing the cost down substantially. (Suzuki tells us it will be running its 2012 ad regionally as well.) We've seen some reports pegging its Super Bowl budget last year at $2 million, which still works out to $75 per Suzuki sold. For comparison, Chevrolet spent an estimated $15 million (five spots) on the 2011 Super Bowl, and sold 1,775,812 vehicles, which works out to about $8.45 per car.
Suzuki sent us the teaser image above, which looks like it will continue the snow theme of last year's "Wicked Weather" ad, which featured evil snowmen chasing an all-wheel-drive Kizashi. If you missed it because you don't live in the snow belt, we've got the long version embedded after the jump.
UPDATE: Suzuki contacted us, saying that the report of a $2 million ad spend last year was wrong. According to the automaker, it only spent $200,000 on its regional Super Bowl ads in 2011, meaning the per car cost was much, much lower - a mere $7.51 per car. "We have attempted to be fiscally responsible in every facet of our business," said Suzuki spokesman Jeff Holland, "and this includes ad buys like our new Super Bowl spot."Continue reading Kizashi to return to Super Bowl in new ad from Suzuki [w/video] [UPDATED] Kizashi to return to Super Bowl in new ad from Suzuki [w/video] [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki shows Concept XA trucklet in DelhiFiled under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Suzuki, Misc. Auto Shows, India, Off-Road 
Want to know how highly regarded the multiple-award winning Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is? At the recent Auto Expo in Delhi, India Maruti Suzuki showed a concept that is, to our eyes, extraordinarily reminiscent of the small English SUV - although we'll readily admit the glasshouse is a tweaked version of the current Suzuki Swift.
Called the XA Alpha concept, some reports say that it's underpinned by the Swift platform, while others report that the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy off-roader, based on the Jimny, provides the chassis. For comparison purposes, the XA is just a few inches shorter and narrower than an Evoque, but the same height as the Evoque four-door.
Plans for production are said to rest with audience reception, which appears to have - understandably - been quite positive. If and when a production version does arrive, you can probably kiss the suicide doors goodbye, but it is predicted to be offered with four-wheel drive and "a range of K-Series petrol engines and 1.3-liter DDIS engine." Click the link for more photos of the flexible Indian flyer.Suzuki shows Concept XA trucklet in Delhi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThese are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Luxury 
Where there are winners, there are inevitably losers. Last year was exceedingly kind to big pickups, sprawling family sedans and SUVs, but not every model came out of 2011 with big sales figures. We took the time to dig through the low-selling models of the past 12 months to find out which vehicles produced throughout the year were the biggest duds. Since we aren't interested in how few Lamborghini Aventador models rolled off of dealer lots in the U.S. in 2011, we kept the MSRP under $100,000.
Our criteria immediately nixed vehicles like the Mazda RX-8, Volvo V50, Ram Cargo Van and everything in the Saab stable due to the fact that those models weren't manufactured through all 12 months of 2011. High-end metal like the Mercdes-Benz SL, CL and G classes were also kicked to the curb due to our price ceiling. Which was the worst of them all? We'll give you a hint. It wasn't the Acura ZDX. Hit the jump to check out our list of the worst-selling vehicles of 2011.Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011 These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki readying next-gen Jimny/Samurai?Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, SUV, Japan, Suzuki, India
 Suzuki has dropped a few teasers of a new concept vehicle headed to this year's Delhi Auto Expo, and the sneaky shots may hint at a successor to the well-worn Jimny/Samurai throne. Right now, the automaker doesn't have a known replacement lined up for the pint-sized SUV.
The Samurai may have exited North America long ago, but its direct descendant, the Jimny, is still very much alive elsewhere. In fact, it has cultivated a decades-old reputation for being a tough-as-nails bruiser that's as reliable as it is capable. We think Suzuki would do well to keep the model in its portfolio in the future, and now, new reports suggest the company could lift parts from the Swift drivetrain to build a low-cost Jimny successor.
Even so, assuming the teasers indicate a concept vehicle, it would likely be some time before we saw a production model frolicking about in the light of day. Early estimates would put a next-generation Samurai on stage at the Delhi Auto Expo in two years or so. Does that mean the U.S. will see the Samurai name return to its soil? With Suzuki's floundering presence here in the states, that seems unlikely, but we would welcome a capable, low-dollar off roader to our shores any day. Head over to the Maruti Suzuki page for a closer look.Suzuki readying next-gen Jimny/Samurai? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for productionFiled under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki, Design/Style
There's something about the Suzuki Regina Concept that we like. A lot. For starters, it has a white roof. What's cool about that, you ask? Well, after Ford stole the idea from Mini for the Flex, nothing. But darn it if it doesn't look good here. With those rear fender skirts, we're actually seeing a good bit of Citroën DS in Suzuki's stylish little econobox, and as we all know, the DS is the most beautiful car of all time.
The Regina Concept, on the other hand, is just an idea for a 1,600-pound sedan that gets 75 miles per gallon. Suzuki didn't share details about the powertrain, but Autocar is reporting that the Regina Concept is powered by a turbocharged, 800-cc gasoline engine, and uses both start-stop and regenerative braking tech to achieve such lofty fuel economy.
A car that light could be powered by a leaf blower and still be fun to drive, so we're giving this one a thumbs up. Go ahead and build it, Suzuki, because you know someone will figure out a way to put a small-block Chevy in it. Hit the jump for Suzuki's short press release. Continue reading Gas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for production Gas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV HybridFiled under: Hybrid, Japan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki, Electric 
Suzuki hit the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a small flotilla of green-minded vehicles, including the Swift EV Hybrid. According to the company, most Swift buyers travel between 12 and 18 miles per day, so engineers designed this range-extended EV to cover that distance on pure electric power. A small-displacement internal combustion engine remains on hand to take over charging duties should the driver deplete the vehicle's batteries, just like in the Chevrolet Volt. Suzuki says that the design has several advantages over a traditional electric vehicle.
For starters, the system uses a significantly smaller battery than a full EV, which means the Swift EV Hybrid uses fewer resources and costs less. It also takes less time to charge than a full EV as well. While we don't expect to see this doorless wonder on the streets any time soon, Suzuki may apply the range-extender technology to production models in the future.Suzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on rangeFiled under: Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki, Electric 
If this year's Tokyo Motor Show is going to live up to its reputation for wacky, it's because of the Suzuki Q Concept. Looking like an oversized portable CD player rolling around on two sets of Apple earbuds, the electric Q is nothing if not cute.
It's also different, with seating that's configurable for two adults in tandem fashion, or an adult up front with two kids in the back. Or you can ditch the backseat altogether and use the space for cargo. Suzuki says the Q is part car and part motorcycle, but we think a more apt description of the 98-inch-long oddity would be part moped, part Segway.
With a range of just over six miles, the Q isn't much of a car, but it could make a nice runabout for city-dwellers. Or a stylish way to get down your driveway to get the mail when it's raining for the average American. Read the press release after the jump.Continue reading Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki terminates deal with VW, wants its shares backFiled under: Etc., Europe, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
After two years, Suzuki has finally moved to sever its partnership with Volkswagen. The Japanese automaker claims that Volkswagen has blocked the company's attempts to access core technology as part of the original agreement, and that the two had issues seeing eye to eye on Suzuki independence. Suzuki also claims that Volkswagen has refused to resolve these issues through negotiation.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, hasn't commented on the situation. This move is just the latest in the long-running drama between the two automakers. Just last month, Suzuki filed a notice of breach urging Volkswagen to take remedial action in order to be within the bounds of the original agreement. Volkswagen has been characteristically tight-lipped about whatever turmoil has brewed between the two companies, preferring to reiterate that it is committed to the union.
As part of the announcement, Suzuki said that it seeks the return of the 19.89 percent stake that Volkswagen currently owns in the Japanese automaker through arbitration. Volkswagen purchased the shares for $2.5 billion in 2009.Suzuki terminates deal with VW, wants its shares back originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV HybridFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki, Electric 
For their home turf show, Japanese automakers often bring out the best and quirkiest. To cite just a few examples, how about the three different Nissan Pivo concepts, the Honda EV-N and the Nissan Land Glider. Suzuki continues the trend this year with a full slate of world premieres of unusual designs wrapped around some eco-friendly powertrains.
The theme seems to be that small is good, and the "big" star is the Regina (above), Suzuki's "vision of a next-generation global compact car" that gets 75 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the JC08 test cycle. The usual efficiency suspects - lightweighting and improved aerodynamics - help out here. The Regina weighs just 1,609 pounds (730 kg) and emits just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
 
Then we have the Q-concept, because apparently having one funky Japanese car defined by a single letter (the Mitsubishi i) isn't enough. The Q is the bright orange My First Discman thing you see above left, and it's a small city vehicle that's only 2.5 meters long and seats two in tandem style. The interior arrangement can be adapted to fit more kids - or delivery goods - in the back. Suzuki doesn't specify, but we assume it's powered by electricity since there is no tailpipe and the automaker says the car (?) is "ideal for everyday journeys within a radius of about 10km."
The most normal-looking vehicle that Suzuki will display at Tokyo Big Sight is the Swift EV Hybrid. A plug-in electric with an "engine-driven generator," the Swift EV Hybrid (also called the Swift Range Extender) can easily go between 20 and 30 kilometers (12 and 18 miles), at least, on battery power and then go further using liquid fuel. Exact details on the battery size and all-electric range will have to wait until the show starts in Japan at the end of the month. In 2009, Suzuki showed off the Swift Plug-In Hybrid.
Suzuki will also display a new Swift Sport and a flotilla of two-wheelers, including some powered by fuel cells and batteries. Read more about them after the jump.Continue reading Suzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV Hybrid Suzuki gets small and funky for Tokyo with Regina compact, Q-Concept, Swift EV Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept storms the beaches at SEMAFiled under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, SUV, Suzuki, Specialty, Off-Road
Some of the industrial giants in Japan make all sorts of things. Yamaha, for example, makes everything from motorbikes to grand pianos. Honda does lawnmowers, business jets and everything in between. Suzuki does cars and they do outboard motors. But seldom do these competencies overlap. Feast your eyes, then, on the exception.
The brainchild of a group of students from Ohio Technical College, the Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept is making its debut at SEMA in Las Vegas right now. The idea was to bring Suzuki's automotive and marine powertrain divisions together in one package, but we kinda wish they hadn't.
The vehicle features an open roof, motorboat-style side glass, a big brush guard, knobby tires, a nautical-style radar arch, a rather strange bass boat paint job and - for some reason - an outboard engine hanging off the back. So does that mean it's amphibious? Not quite. Which means if you drive it into the water, it will, in all likelihood, sink to the bottom. Hmmm.... Continue reading Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept storms the beaches at SEMA Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept storms the beaches at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki ducking out of Los Angeles, Detroit auto showsFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Suzuki 
We're gearing up for the next auto show season, with the Los Angeles showcase taking place in just a few weeks. Suzuki - an automaker that hasn't been doing so hot lately - will reportedly be absent from this year's festivities in Los Angeles, and will not be seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January.
"For the upcoming season, our brand will selectively participate at auto shows where our distinctive and engaging story will resonate the most," Suzuki spokesperson Jeff Holland told Automotive News. As for the remainder of the North American show circuit, it's unclear whether or not Suzuki will appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February, but we'd be surprised if the Japanese automaker didn't have some sort of showing in New York next spring.
Suzuki was hit hard by the large economic recession of the past few years. Automotive News reports that while the automaker managed to sell over 100,000 vehicles in the United States in 2007, it only sold 23,994 in 2010. Due to the poor economy, Suzuki's marketing budgets have been slashed, says Holland, and thus, the company will have "more of a conservative approach going forward."Suzuki ducking out of Los Angeles, Detroit auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 gets lighter, revs fasterFiled under: Performance, Suzuki, Motorcycle 
Suzuki has pulled the covers off of its 2012 GSX-R1000, and the bike brings a smattering of mechanical improvements to an already capable platform. All told, the machine is just under 4.5 pounds lighter than last year. Part of that savings comes from specially-developed pistons that are 11 percent lighter than those found in the previous-generation GSX-R1000. Suzuki says the components were developed using technology borrowed from its MotoGP efforts. The same goes for the engine tappets, which are 2.5 grams lighter than the old pieces. The new hardware means that the 2012 GSX-R1000 can use a revised exhaust cam profile for reduced valve overlap.
Engineers also turned up the compression from 12.8:1 to 12.9:1, and a lightweight 4-2-1 exhaust system caps off engine modifications. Suzuki turned to a set of Brembo Monoblock calipers for 2012 for increased braking performance, as well a lighter wheel and tire combination. Suzuki isn't saying exactly how much horsepower the engine produces with its new internals, nor has the company released any performance specifications, but we imagine improvements all around. Hit the jump for the press release.Continue reading 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 gets lighter, revs faster 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 gets lighter, revs faster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDespite public squabbles, VW says it plans to keep Suzuki stakeFiled under: Government/Legal, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Last month on The Young and the Restless Volkswagen-Suzuki Partnership, Osamu Suzuki was publicly declaring his angst with the "ball-and-chain" union, proclaiming it needed to end and serving legal papers. Volkswagen, meanwhile, was saying little other than that it wanted to speak to its partner privately and was not ready for a divorce, in spite of previously serving its own legal papers.
It seems the word games have gotten a tad hotter. Volkswagen's mantra remains that it won't deal with the matter in public but that it has no intention of leaving. Suzuki, on the other hand, has said that since its primary purpose for the partnership - access to VW's "core technologies" - hasn't happened, it will eventually demand the return of its shares if nothing changes. And it "may have to consider further action" if VW doesn't turn a kind ear. We have a feeling this show, and its public drama, won't be canceled anytime soon.Despite public squabbles, VW says it plans to keep Suzuki stake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2012 Suzuki Swift Sport sure looks like fun... for someone elseFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki 
Despite the on-again, off-again rumors about its potential voyage to the United States, the Suzuki Swift still remains a tasty piece of forbidden fruit. A shame, too, especially since this new Sport version sounds like it'd be quite the enjoyable steer.
The Swift Sport was first previewed by the S-Concept that debuted back in Geneva, but now packs 134 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Those aren't earth-shattering numbers, but in a vehicle this tiny (and lightweight), we imagine it to be pretty engaging from behind the wheel. Think Mazda2, but more powerful.
Other enhancements to the Swift Sport include a stiffer suspension and more aggressive stance, rounded out by a handsome set of 17-inch wheels. All in, we'd gladly throw the Sport around an autocross course or some curvy canyons... if it ever comes to the U.S.2012 Suzuki Swift Sport sure looks like fun... for someone else originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki to end alliance with VolkswagenFiled under: Technology, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
We don't know how you say "Throw down the gauntlet" in Japanese, but Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki has apparently gone and done it. Claiming that his company's relationship with Volkswagen has the potential to become a "ball and chain" if it continues it current course, Suzuki apparently sees so little hope of remedy that he has suggested an amicable separation.
Suzuki is upset about a number of recent events, from VW's claim in its annual report that it could influence operational decisions at Suzuki, to VW's breach-of-contract accusations over Suzuki buying diesels from Fiat, to the fact that in two years there hasn't been a single joint project.
VW hasn't made any mention of walking away from the 'partnership,' instead repeatedly saying that it is reviewing the union. In sharper words, however, some VW execs have stressed that it is up to Suzuki to return to the relationship table and stop airing grievances to the press. And in an odd use of a press release, VW released the first findings of its review to announce its breach-of-contract process over the diesel situation.
Suzuki has had an engine deal with Fiat since 2005, and when Osamu Suzuki decided he didn't want VW's diesel tech, he saw no reason no to expand Suzuki's arrangement with Fiat. VW considers that a bit of double-dealing, whereas Suzuki sees tie-ups with other firms as his right. Having not read the fine print ourselves, we have no idea which firm has the defensible position. However, while the German firm still sees the Japanese concern - and its market position in countries like India - as an attractive investment still, we wonder how the growing and public kerfuffle is going to make things better. Or even sustainable.Suzuki to end alliance with Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSuzuki to launch sprightlier Swift Sport in FrankfurtFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki 
It's compact, sporty, has a manual transmission... and we don't expect it to arrive Stateside anytime soon. We're talking about the all-new Suzuki Swift Sport, which is set to make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The compact hot hatch is a tuned version of the standard Swift, with power rated at 134 horses and torque at 118 pound-feet, fed to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Suzuki didn't just fiddle with the engine, however, as the Swift Sport gets a healthy dose of chassis and suspension upgrades over the standard Swift. The torsion beam is more rigid, spring rates have been increased and the front wheels receive larger bushings to help turn the Swift Sport into an agile handling machine.
Despite all the sporting notions, the Suzuki Swift Sport is still a light sipper at the fuel pump. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 37 miles per gallon. So to sum up, the Swift Sport sounds rather fun to drive yet it's fuel efficient as well, and you're not going to see one on a U.S. road in the foreseeable future. Feel free to read all the details after the break.Continue reading Suzuki to launch sprightlier Swift Sport in Frankfurt Suzuki to launch sprightlier Swift Sport in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVW, Suzuki not on speaking terms, thinking about seeing other peopleFiled under: Suzuki, Volkswagen 
You know the script - you meet somebody new and all cylinders seem to be firing in perfect harmony. You decide to see more of each other, consider moving your relationship to the so-called next level. You exchange keys. And that's when things start to go sour.
The symbolic exchanging of keys between Volkswagen and Suzuki took place back in December of 2009, and the souring has been taking place ever since. Considering that VW purchased 20 percent of Suzuki as part of the deal, you might think that calling Suzuki an "associate" and stating that it has the power to "significantly influence financial and operating policy decisions" of the Japanese automaker would be pretty darn factual. Suzuki saw things otherwise.
The signs of a growing conflict showed up shortly after hands were first shaken. More recently, Suzuki has expressed more and more discontent with its partnership, even going so far as to make a deal with Fiat for diesel engines instead of seeking them from Volkswagen, itself a leader in modern diesel technology, and CEO Osamu Suzuki claimed VW had no technologies his company was interested in acquiring.
A report from Bloomberg indicates that the two automakers are now not even speaking to one another, though both companies claim they want to extend an olive branch and take another look at the partnership. Seems they just want the other one to make the first move, eh?VW, Suzuki not on speaking terms, thinking about seeing other people originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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