| Motorshow Display Overview | LA Auto Show 2007 | Suzuki |
Amongst rally cars, hill climbers and SUVs, on the Suzuki stand at this year's
Los Angeles Motor Show was the Makai concept. Based on the 2008 SX4 Sport (SX4 saloon to you and I) it becomes the latest addition to the Japanese manufacturer's LIVE series, which includes the Blizzard, Dune and Wave concept cars.
Designed for 'life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill seekers' the rather orange Makai features two rather orange surfboards, both attached to a custom mounting rack. But without a roof and side windows, the surfboard fitting lies on top of the windscreen and a targa-style hoop behind rear passengers, giving the concept an open-air, Californian-style driving experience, or so Suzuki says.
Riding on 19-inch CEC wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot tyres, the LIVE series SX4 boasts a body modification kit and new exhaust system too, whilst the interior is just as extroverted with the use of four ventilated suspended seats, colour coordinated interior lighting and satellite navigation. A VeaLink audio system has also been fitted to kick out tunes on the way to your favourite surf-spot.
Beach Boys anyone?
Suzuki also showed an updated production-ready SX4 crossover. Seeking a general increase in vehicle refinement, fifth gear has been lengthened, which should also improve fuel economy, whilst new features such as a remote fuel door release and automatic climate control are also thrown in. Other optional equipment now includes Bluetooth connectivity and sports pedals and gear shifter.
The XL7 SUV too has been graced with more standard equipment in its Luxury and Limited model variations. The Luxury spec will gain a standard power 'moonroof' and a six-CD audio system. Limited models will now come with heated front seats, touch screen satnav, chrome wheels, a rear vision camera and Pioneer audio system, all despite being priced lower than its predecessor.
In stark contrast to the road-going XL7, Suzuki juxtaposed its record-holding XL7 Hill Climb Special on its stand, which won this year's Pikes Peak hill climb - on the way setting the fastest ever ascent time of 10 minutes and 1.408 seconds. Driven by the vice president of Suzuki Sport, Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, the twin turbocharged V6 DOHC engine packs a massive 1,007bhp and is pinned to the ground with two gigantic front and rear spoilers made of lightweight carbon and Kevlar composites. In all, the XL7 Special weighs just 1,100kg without driver.
Maintaining the off-road motor sports theme was the SX4 WRC car. Currently undergoing a rigorous testing programme including two full WRC competition events, the SX4 rally car is based on the standard
five-door SX4 but is stripped bare and fitted with a 2.0-litre, J20 engine producing 320bhp and 435lb.ft at 3,500rpm, powering all four wheels. Other modifications include sophisticated front and rear differentials, and a five-speed sequential gearbox.
Kyle Molyneux - 21 Nov 2007