2008 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept - Images, Specifications and Information

Click here to download printer friendly version

Performing onstage at this year�s New York International Auto Show in front of a packed house, American Suzuki Motor Corp. hosts the world debut of its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, which completes the company�s star-studded cast of media-acclaimed Kizashi concepts. In addition to the North American reveals of Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2, the global introduction of Concept Kizashi 3 coincides with Suzuki�s announcement that it will produce a sport sedan derived from the Concept Kizashi 3 design.

The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki�s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, which further revealed Suzuki�s new design language.

''Kizashi means �prelude� in Japanese, and that�s exactly what this design represents for Suzuki from both a business and a product standpoint,'' said Mark Harano, president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. ''Concept Kizashi 3 illustrates our brand character and personifies our heritage, design strength and engineering prowess. With customers in 192 countries and regions, Suzuki is truly a global brand, and the coming model carries on our mission to build the image of our automotive products in North America and eventually match our bikes� reputation.''

Known primarily as a maker of small vehicles, Suzuki intends for the production derivative of the Kizashi series to serve as the company�s flagship vehicle, strengthening its current product line of small cars, trucks and SUVs with a sporting, more accommodating sedan. The future production model will be built at Suzuki�s brand-new Sagara plant in Japan, currently under construction, and provide an accessible alternative to the near-luxury segment. While a firm timetable has not been announced, Suzuki will deliver the Kizashi-influenced sport sedan to North American dealers by 2010.

The closest-to-production variation of the Concept Kizashi series, Concept Kizashi 3 embodies Suzuki�s interpretation of the sport sedan segment in the North American market. The Kizashi�s ''super sport'' identity, a core component of the Suzuki brand DNA, is tempered by the vehicle�s overall mission to provide strong, refined urban performance.

As with Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2, the front end of the Concept Kizashi 3 expresses strength and style, with sharply fashioned headlights that emphasize the sensation of forward motion. The vehicle�s exquisitely engineered body reflects Suzuki�s distinctive combination of capability and refinement, with power flowing from a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine with plated cylinders � a weight-and space-saving technology that evolved from the lessons learned by Suzuki�s motorcycle and WRC development teams. The body�s monochrome finish, Kizashi Silver, gives the vehicle a sense of composure and depth of character, with metallic paint sparkling to emphasize the dynamism of the body�s cross-section.