Suzuki sportbike-inspired Zuk concept offers ultimate street performance
Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the “Suzuki LIVE Series” (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its “Way of Life” brand mantra, which promises products for consumers’ active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new “Suzuki LIVE Series” vehicles in model year 2007, illustrating how its cars and SUVs play an integral part of consumers’ lifestyles. The vehicles coined BaseCamp for outdoor enthusiasts; Flix for film and entertainment buffs; Zuk for motorcycle aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; will be on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.
Zuk
Inspired by Suzuki’s world-renowned, championship-winning sportbikes, and derived from the new SX4 sport X-over, the Zuk concept offers solid functionality both on the road and the track. Built by Road Race Motorsports of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the sporty Zuk is powered by a 300-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine with alcohol injection system, matched to a five-speed manual transmission.
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Designed for ultimate street performance, the stunning SX4 concept features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics. The Zuk features Suzuki Hayabusa and GSX-R-inspired bodywork, ground effects, mirrors, spoiler and exhaust, all wrapped in blue metallic paint and carbon fiber. Framing accent lights highlight the Zuk’s motorcycle-themed structure and cage, while strategically placed openings reveal the vehicle’s powertrain, wheels, tires and chassis details. The fully drivable and track-tested Zuk is equipped with a fully tuned performance suspension system, 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires.
The motorcycle-inspired design continues inside the Zuk, revealing a functional, modern sportbike-styled space frame and roll cage. Cove lighting further accentuates the superbike-inspired structural frame and draws attention to the GSX-R-inspired instrument cluster. Minimalist racing seats with charcoal and carbon fiber interior trim and touch points provide interior comfort and complement the Zuk’s optimal driving experience. Other race-inspired interior appointments include center switches and gauge set – evocative of Suzuki racing heritage – and machined aluminum driver and navigator foot platforms cantilevered for an exciting motorcycle feel.
After its debut at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas, the SX4 concept will hit the auto show circuit, with stops planned in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Mo.
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