Suzuki's new Kizashi sedan arrived arrived in Germany completely unclad, for a few quick laps around the 'Ring. We caught the prototype stationary, as the test group arranged entry onto the race circuit. This is the first time that we've seen the Kizashi completely free of its heavy camouflage, relying solely on some black and white graphics to try to trick the eye.

It's immediately clear that Suzuki stylists have managed a faithful transition from the Kizashi3 concept sedan to this production model, although some of the show car's sexy profile has been lost in translation—especially around the C-pillar and rear deck. However, we can't help but notice that the Kizashi's rump has some serious BMW 1-series coupe overtones. While it's not saying much, this is clearly the most promising sedan in Suzuki's history, what with its expected 3.6-liter DOHC V6 perhaps producing as much as 300-horsepower. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also expected to anchor entry-level models.

In addition to engines, we get a peek into Suzuki's hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell programs, closely tied to GM technology. It sounds like they'll be adapting GM designs to their more-compact platform and looking to develop new six-speed transmissions in the process. We're expecting to see conceptual versions of these powertrains when 'Zuki unveils the SX4 FCV concept and another concept at the Paris motor show in October.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Suzuki has long been known as a builder of excellent, if a bit hefty motorcycles, and for almost as long, questionably engineered and styled automobiles. Try as they might, it seems their greatest commercial success was the Grand Vitara. Remember the Verona and how well that did? In any case, the Kizashi seems poised to reverse the trend and provide a car people will actually want to be seen in as well as one that doesn't roll over in a light Autumn breeze. We're pullin' for you Suzuki...but we're not holding our breath. [AutomotiveWorld]

LIVE! FROM NEW YORK: SUZUKI DEBUTS CONCEPT KIZASHI 3

NEW YORK (March 20, 2008) - 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 Concept Kizashi Series
Evoking the physical superiority and dignity of a world-class athlete, the Concept Kizashi series was developed to create a substantial presence that redefines the traditional performance vehicle and moves the Suzuki brand upscale. The overall design theme suggests physical strength from intense daily training, with the strong will, commitment and presence of a champion.

Each of the Concept Kizashi vehicles strikes a balance between driver comfort and sportiness, with roomy cabins melded to lean, dynamic exteriors. The hood and body style of all three Concept Kizashis hint at abundant engine power and wind-splitting aerodynamics, while the long wheelbase, aggressive wheel/tire combinations and abbreviated overhangs communicate a performance-oriented, energetic image. A powerful-looking body profile is incorporated throughout the series to convey underlying strength, with large wheels and a wide tread expressing a capacity for superior performance. Beyond its exterior architecture, the Concept Kizashi series constitutes a four-wheeled continuation of Suzuki's exciting, performance-oriented motorcycle heritage, represented best by its dynamic, world-renowned line of GSX-R sportbikes. Those bikes, some two decades after their introduction, continue to dominate the sportbike segment and have achieved iconic status.

[Source: Suzuiki]

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Coming To New York

The New York International Auto Show welcomes American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Thursday, March 20, as the company debuts its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to its acclaimed Kizashi concept series. The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki's future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, will be joined in New York by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.

The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the 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 last October, which further pushed Suzuki's new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering. The complete Kizashi concept series will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference on Thursday, March 20, at 12:10 p.m. in booth 1215 at the Javits center.

[Source: Suzuki via World Car Fans]

Press Release:

Suzuki will present an eye-catching stand with a number of world premieres at the 62nd International Motor Show in Frankfurt from September 13 - 23.

The newly developed Splash compact car represents the fourth world strategic model from Suzuki in just three years. Like its predecessors, Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4, Splash is orientated strongly towards the European design style, which continues Suzuki's worldwide strategy.

A further highpoint on the Frankfurt stand will be the introduction of the Kizashi concept vehicle. This breakthrough into the middle class segment is a sign from the 12th largest automobile producer worldwide of the important step from compact and four-wheel drive specialists into a complete production line-up.

The third star of the Suzuki stand will be the World Rally Championship version of the SX4, which will make an appearance in Frankfurt before facing its first competition test in the middle of October at the "Rallye de France".

Suzuki Splash: The fresh stylish family car

The first phase of the new world strategy was implemented with the focus on 'Sporty', a philosophy that resulted in great success with the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4. The new Splash represents the second phase for Suzuki.

Representing a completely new development of the compact car, the Splash represents driving fun for the family with a combination of fresh design and great driving dynamics.

On sale in Europe in 2008, the 3700 mm long Splash will be available with a choice of three engines; a three-cylinder 1.0-litre (48 kW), a 1.2-litre four-cylinder (63 kW) and a 1.3-litre DDiS turbo-diesel (55 kW) with an optional diesel particulate filter.

Complying with the Euro-4 emissions standard, CO2 emissions for the five-speed manual transmission vary between just 120 and 140 g/km.

Safety remains a paramount feature in the Splash, which comes loaded with a host of standard features including anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution system (EBD). Electronic stability program (ESP®) and six airbags (dual front airbags, dual seat-side airbags, dual curtain airbags) will be equipped on certain models.

The Kizashi concept: Breakthrough into the mid-sized segment

Full of energy, flexible and emotionally appealing; a perfect description of the Suzuki Kizashi concept car, which will make its world debut at Frankfurt. Literally meaning 'prelude', the Kizashi represents the third phase of Suzuki's world strategy.

The theme for this third phase is 'Status', with the Kizashi guiding the way to a new direction for Suzuki, representing the continued upward breakthrough of Suzuki and its ability to offer a wider range of vehicles to customers.

Suzuki Motorsport: SX4 WRC pilots at the Frankfurt Motor Show

It's finally here: at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Suzuki will reveal the team who will pilot the SX4 which will compete in the 2008 World Rally Championship.

Led by Suzuki motorsport legend Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, the WRC SX4 has undergone a gruelling testing regime this year and will make its competitive debut in October at the Rallye de France in Corsica as part of the preparation for the 2008 season.

The WRC SX4 adds another chapter to Suzuki's 98-year history, with a strong motorsport heritage and a host of world champions including Barry Sheene, Kevin Schwantz and Ricky Carmichael.

Suzuki has become a leading player in the JWRC in recent years, and the Swift Super Sport has dominated the 2007 season to date.