To be fair, both the Hyundai Sonata and Suzuki Kizashi start at under the $19K mark, with the Hyundai coming in at $18,700. And both offer warranties they can claim to be superlative in some way. The difference? We'd actually be okay driving a Suzuki Kizashi.

For your $18,999 you'll get a well-equipped car (power windows/doors, eight airbags, dual-zone climate control, stability control) that's not un-stylish, handles above-par for the class, and returns good mileage and performance. But what you'll really want is the Kizashi GTS, which for $22,499 equipped with a six-speed manual offers the rocking 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system (with Bluetooth streaming you probably will never use), foglights, adjustable seats and a few other touches that elevate the car into competition with the more expensive Mazda6.

If you want leather seats (they're nothing to write home about), AWD and a CVT automatic you'll have to pay $26,749 for it, which is still competitive with the other AWD offerings price-wise but doesn't offer a V6 or more powerful fourbanger to go with it. Having driven both we're not convinced it's worth it for most buyers south of the Mason-Dixon line.

The only thing missing? A good nav system. Suzuki has a great Nav system in their SYNC-like TRIP setup, but they weren't able to get it developed for the Kizashi in time for the release. It's coming in a refresh and will surely be advertised as the only car under $XX,XXX with navigation.

The vehicle is equipped with the GM-designed 3.6-liter V6 straight out of the unpopular XL-7, putting out around 260 HP, an increase of at least 75 HP over the Kizashi's standard fourbanger. On the track, the V6-equipped mule does clearly provide more power, able to pull itself out of corners with a level of aggression completely absent from the production car.

Unfortunately, the added weight is felt and the well-balanced feel of the regular sedan is reduced. Also, speed is limited in the straights by a CVT transmission unwilling to let you push the car hard (there's a soft rev-limiter on the manual version allowing more leeway).

Overall, we preferred the four-cylinder GTS model and think the Kizashi is better suited to a small turbo than a full V6. Unfortunately, we think the V6 is where they're headed with a future higher performance Kizashi model.

Whatever engine is chosen, they need to make sure the next model update includes the more aggressive bodywork and attractive fascia. It gives the car more of a presence and makes the Kizashi as attractive as any vehicle on the upper end of the class, exceeding the funky TSX and nipping at the heals of the sensuous Passat CC.

Suzuki wanted me to drive the Kizashi so badly they flew me to North Carolina and fed me salt-and-pepper shrimp fried with the shells on and provided me with 1 GB of files on an 8 GB Sony Walkman.

On paper, the new Kizashi isn't overwhelmingly impressive, offering a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine putting out 185 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 MPH time of just 7.5 seconds, on par with the Accord EX and faster by 0.7 seconds than the Mazda6. Mileage ranges from, at best, 23/31 MPG with the CVT in FWD configuration and just 20/29 in manual FWD mode with the 17-inch or greater-sized wheels.

I immediately snagged a red, FWD GTS model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, no leather seats but 18-inch wheels. I'd have grabbed a manual AWD version, but one doesn't exist and I wouldn't hold my breath. In a market crowded by vehicles dull in appearance, it at least looks like an angrier VW Jetta in red.

On the inside, the new Kizashi is well featured for its expected starting price of under $20,000, offering iPod connectivity, soft-touch plastics everywhere, steering wheel audio buttons, dual-zone climate control and comfortable seats. Move up through the trims and you'll add a thumping 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling. It's not the greatest design, lagging behind the Mazda6 and new Accord, but it's better than most domestics and unlike anything in the price range.

In a strange twist, the newest Kizashi attempts to be the best value by mimicking the formula abandoned by most automakers. As sedans like the Camry, Altima and Accord have gained in popularity they've increased in terms of size and decreased in terms of enjoyable driving. Even the Mazda6, once nimble and small, has swollen to giant proportions and shed some of its original appeal. The Kizashi is much smaller, 183.1 inches in length, or about ten inches shorter than a Mazda6.

Criss-crossing the North Carolina/Virginia border it's clear all the time the Japanese engineers spent at the Nürburgring paid off. It manages to be as forgettable and comfortable as a Fusion or Jetta even across the narrow and poorly-maintained Virginia roads and yet unexpectedly spry on the twisty, high-quality North Carolina streets, making the most of its five-point, multi-link rear suspension and 18-inch tires.

Across a wet slalom at the Virginia International Raceway, the CVT AWD version also exhibited precise, predictable results from steering input and a relatively neutral feel, similar to the Subaru Legacy I drove across the same wet course. In extended hot laps, not something you'd ever actually choose to do in such a vehicle, the large-for-the-class vented disc brakes up front exhibited limited fade given the autojourno abuse they'd endured.

Around the short south part of the course the manual-equipped model performed admirably, exhibiting little roll and showing great poise around VIR's famous Oak Tree turn (just aim for the oak tree)... for a toaster. Power is lacking in the lower range and RPMs top out at 6,500, so coming out of the turn proved to be the greatest disappointment. It feels underpowered compared to cars it's apparently more powerful than.

Falling in between a compact sedan and the current mid-size market, the car is actually more likely to appeal to people thinking about a Civic and liking the added features rather than someone trading down from the benchmark vehicles like the Mazda6 or Volkswagen Passat CC. It's also likely to snag people trading up from an SX4 to something larger.

It's hard not to notice that the Kizashi, which went through three iterations of concept cars before the reveal, is seemingly incongruous with the company's recent expression of outdoor, X-game lifestyle vehicles built on their marine, motorcycle and ATV sales. The new Equator can haul Suzuki bikes, the SX4 can take you rock climbing and the the Grand Vitara can haul your boat. The Kizashi doesn't do any of those things.

Like the SX4, the Kizashi is part of a rapidly improving family of vehicles few American consumers are aware of, so the failure or success of it is going to be more heavily dependent on marketing than the vehicles themselves. If Suzuki can make people aware they sell toasters and get them into the store, we doubt the company will have a difficulty selling what is, overall, a very good appliance.

The Swift—ubiquitous in Hungary as it was the first car manufactured in this country—is positively dwarfed by this Mopar monstrosity, seen here in top-of-the-line SRT8 trim, with the 6.1-liter engine and the appropriate Hemi Orange paintjob.

The scene is full of little surprises. Like how you could make a whole new set of wheels for the little Suzuki from the material found in one Challanger wheel. Or how it shows that even downtown parking spaces are indeed giant when compared to the average car: it takes 16.5 feet of American muscle to fill one to the brim.

It’s a wonderful sight in Budapest, this Challenger, comically inappropriate, with a punk swagger often missing from city cars. And while we know that the perfect city car is the Mercedes-Benz W140 S600, this come pretty close.

All you need now is plenty of Hungarian gasoline. At $6 a gallon. Yeehaw!

Yesterday we saw a car straight out of a science fiction movie. And like a red shirt in a Star Trek Episode, the ETV went DOA with 81% of you Crack Piping its fifty grand asking price.

Only six grand will buy you today's contender, and while the ETV would have trouble traversing a phalanx of migratory Scolecophidia, this Suzuki could hurdle moose without getting antler on its skidplates.

Meaning those who serve, the name samurai denoted the protectors of the classical Japanese nobility. Selfless and brave, the warriors dedicated their lives to their protectorates, accepting death before defeat.

What might end in your death, or your ending up walking home on your feet is this modded Suzuki, for which the seller is asking $6,000 for his efforts.

For the unfamiliar, the Suzuki Samurai was condemned by Consumer Reports for having the non-traditional driving dynamics of a vehicle designed to be driven off-road. Tall, with a high ground clearance and requisite center of gravity, trucklettes like the Samurai tend to flip over when you get up to speed and then saw at the wheel as though you suddenly remembered you left the stove on back home.

This 1988 example has had these tendencies, not quelled, but celebrated, with a 6" lift and 35" tires, putting the passengers firmly into nosebleed altitudes. Lots of other mods have been made, including a heart transplant from a 1.6 litre Geo Tracker to help get those inevitable spills over more quickly.

So, there's lots of fun of the hold my beer nature to be had with this little Suzuki, and, as the seller lists a bushido of parts that have gone into it, there at least exists some rationale for the asking price. But, is that asking price a kimono full of of Nice Price? Or, is that the Ginzu of Crack Pipe?

You decide!


Two Pickets to Tittsburgh Craigslist or go here if the ad disappears. Hat tip to rebeldevil!

Help me out with NPOCP. Click here to send a me a tip, and remember to include your commenter handle.

Knowing your connection to the unofficial "Save the Enzos" campaign, I thought you might be interested in this. I didn't have a chance to grab a DSLR, but all I know is that a nissan altima driven by a fellow Full Sail stuent rear-ended this Kizashi in Orlando Rush Hour around 5pm today, 9/2/09. The accident occurred at the corner of Scottsdale Square (my Apartment complex) and S. Semoran Boulevard in Winter Park, FL 32792. The license plate read GEORGIA and DISTRIBUTOR.

Hmm. Well, that's one idea.

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

[via Motive]

Though he didn't reach his Pikes Peak best of 10:01, the 10:15 time Tajima posted was more than enough to fend off Marcus Gronholm in his 800 HP Fiesta and the 1150 HP Ford RS200. Photos of his conquest of the hill, and a chocolate shop, are just a "next" click away.

NOBUHIRO ‘MONSTER' TAJIMA TAKES OVERALL WIN

PIKES PEAK, CO (July 19, 2009) – Nobuhiro ‘Monster' Tajima and his supporting Monster Sport cast returned to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb this weekend with the same goal as in 2008: beat the competition up the mountain, and beat the mountain with a time of under ten minutes.

As the Peak's undisputed King of the Hill, Mr. Tajima has been without peer in his most recent, record-breaking performances. With his record time of 10 minutes, 1.408 seconds posted in 2007, Tajima and his team broke a Pikes Peak mark in the books since 1994. A Pikes Peak competitor since 1988, Monster recorded his first class win in 1993, and took his first overall title in 1995 aboard a twin-engined Escudo (Vitara in the States).

Despite missing his goal – the ten-minute barrier – as well as his record time of 2007, Monster was clearly dominant in the Unlimited division, besting the second place team – with his time of 10 minutes, 15.368 seconds – by 1:13. The Open Wheel class victory went to Paul Dallenbach, finishing with the day's second best time of 10:52.097. This year marks the 4th consecutive overall win for Tajima and his team.

Monster's Hillclimb Special – featuring a steel space frame, along with carbon and Kevlar composite bodywork – is modeled after Suzuki's own dual-sport, the SX4 Crossover. Monster's Special proves far more capable on the mountain, while the civilian variant continues to boast an innovative all-wheel drive platform and America's #1 warranty.

Monster's win capped a weekend of success for Suzuki-mounted competitors. Suzuki's Rockstar Makita teams took overall wins in both the 450 and 250 classes in Millville, Minnesota, while the Suzuki ATV team took the top podium spot in Armagh, Pennsylvania.

Those buying a 2009 Suzuki SX4, a car we generally like, will get a pre-paid gas card worth $270 for the sedan and $290 for the crossover. This is based on an assumption of 1,000 miles per month. It's not a great deal, but on top of a $2,000 bonus for people who buy the manual version it's not a bad one either.

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES "FREE GAS FOR SUMMER" SALES EVENT

BREA, Calif. (July 1, 2009) – To help motorists at the pump this summer driving season and generate additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models. In addition, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission. The Suzuki "Free Gas for Summer" sales program, which kicks off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31, is expected to further build brand interest and bolster summer sales of its versatile SX4 lineup.

"Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Working through our U.S. dealer network, we're happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season."

Customers will receive a stored value debit card that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car's EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration's estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

"Free Gas for Summer" Program
2009 Model
Free Gas Incentive (pre-paid card)
SX4 Sedan/Sport $270

SX4 Crossover $290

To learn more about Suzuki's "Free Gas for Summer" sales promotion, or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com.

How many engines can you think of that were available in both three- and four-cylinder form? The Suzuki G was made from 1984 well into the current century, and it powered a bewildering array of Suzuki and General Motors machinery. The Holden Barina! The mullet-friendly Geo Tracker! Even the Pontiac Firefly came with G power, and we mustn't forget the Airtrikes.net ultralight aircraft freaks.

[Wikipedia, image source: Airtrikes.net]

The New York Times piece also lists the nation of origin for each vehicle's engine and transmission, and the overall effect is to provide tirade ammunition for both ends of the political spectrum. For example, if you know that unions (and the hand-wringin', gun-confiscatin', Kyoto-treaty-signin' parlor-pink liberals who enable them) have systematically destroyed everything that was once good and true about this country, you'll be able to point to the proof, right there for all to see! Likewise, if you have no doubt that the same oligarchs who rammed Taft-Hartley down our throats are out to crush the last vestiges of American labor dignity (their hands still red with the blood of Sacco and Vanzetti!), you'll see the truth on this map!

[New York Times, thanks to Franzouse for the tip]

In addition to the most expensive to insure list, the folks at Insure.com put together this list of the least expensive cars to insure. Come join us on this journey to find out what makes these econo-boxes so damn cheap to own that it'd almost be a crime to not consider them for your next purchase. Almost.

[via thecarconnection, edmunds, insure.com]

20.) Dodge Grand Caravan

Price: $22,725
Cost To Insure: $960
Curb Weight: 4321 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.3 liter V6
HP: 175
TQ: 205

Driver Stereotype: Soccer Mom

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The ability to blend into the suburban landscape has allowed the Grand Caravan to slip seamlessly to and from soccer games, the grocery store and at times, Mexican border crossings without detection.

19.) Chevrolet Impala
Price: $23,790
Cost To Insure: $959
Curb Weight: 3555 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 211
TQ: 214

Driver Stereotype: Vanilla ice cream-favoring used car salesmen

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Sharing its appearance with multitudes of non-descript cop cars causes the surrounding public to drive very, very carefully around the Impala lessening the likelihood for any direct accidents and adding to the overall value of driver safety.

18.) Mazda B-Series Truck
Price: $16,060
Cost To Insure: $957
Curb Weight: 2999 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.3 liter inline-four
HP: 143
TQ: 154

Driver Stereotype: Has poor credit

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Based on the long-in-the-tooth Ford Ranger, the B-Series Truck shows its age with strong, virtually unbreakable bones.

17.) Lincoln Town Car
Price: $46,385
Cost To Insure: $955
Curb Weight: 4345 lbs
Engine Displacement: 4.6 liter V8
HP: 239
TQ: 287

Driver Stereotype: Mafia fat cats

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Carefully driven due to multiple dead bodies in the trunk, the Town Car rarely sees an insurance claim except for the frequent bloody interior replacement. Typically these are burned to the ground near the docks without much concern for an insurance claim.

16.) Suzuki Forenza
Price: $11,134
Cost To Insure: $954
Curb Weight: 2756 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 127
TQ: 131

Driver Stereotype: Molly Maid employee

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Not much can happen to a car when it spends the majority of its life sitting outside of large Hollywood mansions all day.

15.) Honda Accord
Price: $20,905
Cost To Insure: $951
Curb Weight: 3230 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter inline-four
HP: 177
TQ: 161

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Toyota

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The sedate Accord lulls drivers to a meditative state causing perfect driving habits and extreme awareness, lessening any sort of slip ups.

14.) Jeep Wrangler
Price: $20,710
Cost To Insure: $939
Curb Weight: 3782 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 202
TQ: 237

Driver Stereotype: Obnoxious Dave Matthews Band-listening, bandanna-wearing frat boys

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Wrangler was specifically built for douchebag frat boys and therefore features a virtually indestructible body and chassis making repairs all but non-existent.

13.) VW Passat
Price: $28,300
Cost To Insure: $936
Curb Weight: 3344 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 200
TQ: 207

Driver Stereotype: Grown Dub boys

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Considering the Passat never moves due to repetitive electrical problems it is never put in harms way, allowing for a much lower insurance premium.

12.) Mazda Mazda5
Price: $17,995
Cost To Insure: $929
Curb Weight: 3417 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.3 liter inline-four
HP: 153
TQ: 148

Driver Stereotype: MX-5 driver's family car

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Typically driven by MX-5 drivers when they've got their kids in toe, the Zoom, Zoom nature of the Mazda5 allows for quick maneuvers to escape from the rest of the crazy drivers out there.

11.) Scion xB
Price: $15,750
Cost To Insure: $881
Curb Weight: 3020 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter turbo inline-four
HP: 158
TQ: 162

Driver Stereotype: E-tards

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The typical driver of a Scion xB never really leaves the rave, instead spends hours upon hours upon delicious hours licking the glass repeating, "The snozberries taste like snozberries."

10.) Chrysler Town & Country
Price: $26,355
Cost To Insure: $871
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 244
TQ: 240

Driver Stereotype: Self fulfilling prophecy

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: A perceived level of luxury is exhibited by the typical Town & Country driver, causing them to drive even more carefully back and forth from their kids Montessori schools and cricket matches. See Caravan to see the lesser of the ChryCo minivan driver's habits.

9.) Mazda Tribute
Price: $19,730
Cost To Insure: $913
Curb Weight: 3276 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.5 liter inline-four
HP: 171
TQ: 171

Driver Stereotype: I haz no care for Zoom, Zoom

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Tribute drivers lurk quietly in traffic with hardly anyone ever taking notice, not even enough to ram them from behind.

8.) Saturn Vue
Price: $23,280
Cost To Insure: $911
Curb Weight: 3689 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter inline-four
HP: 169
TQ: 161

Driver Stereotype: I'm a new kind of car company

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Brought over as the Saturn version of the Opel Antara, most people avoid the Vue with the expectation that the Euro-wannabe driver won't speak English causing an annoying, pain-in-the-ass insurance swap.

7.) Smart ForTwo
Price: $11,990
Cost To Insure: $881
Curb Weight: 2315 lbs
Engine Displacement: 1.0 liter inline-three
HP: 70
TQ: 68

Driver Stereotype: Tries to out-smug a Prius driver

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Like the annoying fly that you just can't swat and kill, the ForTwo manages to avoid all conflict by being small and zippy, plus nobody seems to want manslaughter charges for when the driver gets squashed after a 10 mph accident.

6.) Honda Odyssey
Price: $26,355
Cost To Insure: $871
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.5 liter V6
HP: 244
TQ: 240

Driver Stereotype: Does not drive for the thrill of driving

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Odyssey drivers are busy reaching around and smacking the shit out of their kids, leaving very little time for accidents, so they generally avoid them.

5.) Kia Rio5
Price: $13,325
Cost To Insure: $870
Curb Weight: 2438 lbs
Engine Displacement: 1.6 liter inline-four
HP: 110
TQ: 107

Driver Stereotype: Typically doesn't care about cars

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Rio5 is so ugly that most drivers avoid any physical contact with them in fear that some of the ugly will rub off. Score one for Kia.

4.) Kia Sedona
Price: $21,245
Cost To Insure: $857
Curb Weight: 4365 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 250
TQ: 253

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Odyssey

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: This thing is so boring that they should have named it the Kia Sedative. It rarely leaves the driveway unless absolutely necessary, dramatically reducing its potential for road carnage.

3.) Hyundai Entourage
Price: $23,995
Cost To Insure: $848
Curb Weight: 4400 lbs
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter V6
HP: 250
TQ: 253

Driver Stereotype: Anti-Odyssey/Sedona

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Should be renamed to Hyundai Ento...zzzzz. See Kia Sedona.

2.) Kia Sportage
Price: $16,695
Cost To Insure: $840
Curb Weight: 3230 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter inline-four
HP: 140
TQ: 136

Driver Stereotype: High school band geek

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: Typically the Sportage is doing exactly the opposite of what its name implies, instead it spends its life carting tubas and other brass instruments between Mom's house and band practice which coincidentally is just down the street. Also, the lack of party invites virtually eliminates any sort of under-the-influence driving.

1.) Hyundai Santa Fe
Price: $21,695
Cost To Insure: $832
Curb Weight: 3727 lbs
Engine Displacement: 2.7 liter V6
HP: 185
TQ: 183

Driver Stereotype: Not concerned with brand image

Jalopnik Insurance Cost Analysis: The Santa Fe, while having an unbelievably ridiculous name, is actually quite attractive limiting surrounding driver's desire to crash repeatedly into it. For complete opposite, see Kia Rio5.

The customized trucks shown today were done up by three different truck-centric magazines, Off Road, Truckin', and 4-Wheel & Off-Road. Two of the trucks are spitting images of each other, getting fat tires and lifted suspensions while the third gets slammed and blacked out. It's worth pointing out the 4-Wheel & Off-Road modified truck has already found a way for giant tire to meet fender flair resulting in like-new wrinkled sheetment. Truckin' went all out on theirs, they even pulled the rear seats out and dropped a huge stereo in.

We've posted a few Japanese-market ads showing American or European stars shilling cars in the past, which seems to have inspired Maxichamp and Franzouse to hip us to a whole bunch more, in much the same way that Rob Lowe became "hip conscious" in the '88 Suzuki Cultus. Check out Maxichamp's blog for his commentary on many of these ads when you're done here.


ZZ Top, Honda Z


Paul Newman, Nissan Skyline Turbo


Paul Newman, Nissan Skyline Turbo


Jodie Foster, Honda Civic Ferio


Jodie Foster, Honda Civic Ferio


Ray Charles, Honda Civic Ferio


Diane Lane, Hino Cruising Ranger


Diane Lane, Hino Cruising Ranger


Mickey Rourke, Daihatsu Charade


Bruce Willis, Subaru Legacy


Bruce Willis, Subaru Outback


Jennifer Lopez, Subaru Legacy


Jennifer Lopez, Subaru Legacy


Eddie Murphy, Toyota Celica


Charlize Theron, Honda Life


Charlize Theron, Honda Life


Jean Reno, Toyota Alphard


Jean Reno, Toyota Alphard


Alain Delon, Mazda Capella


Alain Delon, Mazda Capella


Leonardo DiCaprio, Suzuki Wagon R


Harrison Ford, Honda Legend


Harrison Ford, Honda Legend


Rob Lowe, Suzuki Cultus


Rob Lowe, Suzuki Cultus


Brad Pitt, Honda Integra


Jack Nicklaus, Nissan Gloria


Anthony Hopkins, Honda Avancier


Roger Moore, Toyota Corona


Roger Moore, Toyota Corona


NAME

Rumors of the vehicles demise, allegedly killed by the angry Carpocalypse monster, began to swirl yesterday. Now, an American Suzuki representative has told Automobile Magazine of the company’s plan to unveil the mid-size sedan in April.

The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, which could use V6 engines making up to 300 HP, represents the company’s attempt to build a passenger vehicle people might actually want to buy. It’s been previewed by several concept, most recently by the Kizashi 3 concept in New York last year. Spy shots of the production model have, however, demonstrated a much-reduced visual appeal. We’re rooting for Suzuki’s little car that could, but we’re not holding our breath. [Automobile Magazine]

So far we've gotten confirmation of Subaru and Suzuki out of WRC, Porsche (LMP2) and Audi (LMP1) out of ALMS, and Honda out of F1. Porque?

It's all about the Carpocalypse. If a company dictates X% cuts across the board or needs to reduce expenses X% this is sometimes the easiest way to do it. There's an argument to be made the old adage "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" doesn't work if people aren't buying on Monday. Nevertheless, this is a major bummer for fans of the three large series

Prodrive/SWRT Announcement
Subaru has announced its decision to withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship.

This sudden decision was in response to the widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry, and follows Suzuki’s withdrawal announced yesterday.

After 20 years in the sport, during which time the Prodrive-run Subaru World Rally Team has won six World Rally Championship titles, this is not only sad news for Subaru and the team, but also for millions of rallying fans around the world. Thanks to its highly successful World Rally Championship programme, Subaru has developed into one of the world’s most widely recognised and evocative automotive brands.

Prodrive chairman, David Richards, said: “Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons. The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over. Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive’s history, our focus now turns to the future.”

For many, Prodrive and Subaru are synonymous, given the long-standing and close association between the two companies. However, while the Subaru World Rally Team historically represented a significant part of Prodrive’s business, today it accounts for no more than 20 per cent of the company’s turnover.

Prodrive will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations, which have grown to span advanced engineering and manufacturing for the automotive, defence, marine and aerospace industries, in addition to other motorsport programmes.

Despite the current economic downturn, Prodrive’s automotive engineering business remains buoyant as it works with vehicle manufacturers to accelerate the development of next generation fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuel technologies.

Together with Subaru, Prodrive’s commitment to its customer rally teams will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond. Over the past 15 years, Prodrive has sold close to 500 rally cars to more than 400 private competitors and independent rally teams in 47 countries. During this time, Prodrive’s customers have won five consecutive Production World Rally Championships and countless international rallies. In 2008, Prodrive-supported customer teams have claimed eight rally championship titles around the world.

Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success.

FHI Announcement
okyo, December 16, 2008 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the withdrawal from the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) at the end of the 2008 season.

FHI has participated in the WRC together with Prodrive, a motorsports and automotive engineering group in the UK, over the past 19 years to pursue its goal and philosophy in motor sports activities to enhance Subaru brand awareness by showing that Subaru vehicles offer safe, comfortable and pleasurable driving no matter the weather or road conditions, featuring Horizontally-Opposed engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system as its core technologies, and to transfer results of race-tested technical improvements into Subaru passenger vehicles.

Subaru has won three manufacturer’s championship titles and three driver’s championship titles in its history of rally racing. This has helped enhance the value of the Subaru brand as well as the sales expansion of Subaru vehicles all over the world.

FHI considers it has achieved its original target in WRC participation. However, while considering positioning the WRC activity in Subaru branding strategy towards the future, our business environment has been dramatically changed due to the quick deterioration of the global economy. In order to optimize the management resources and to strengthen further the Subaru brand, FHI decided to withdraw from WRC activities at the earliest timing.

As regards future involvement in rally activities, FHI will continue to support teams and drivers that participate in P-WRC or the Group N category.

President Mori commented that reaching this decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least with regards to the countless Subaru fans that for many years have cheered the legendary Subaru blue liveried Impreza World Rally Car; “We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans’ strong and loyal support worldwide. They will remain an invaluable treasure for us.”

Capitalizing on the priceless experience gained throughout the history in the WRC field, FHI will continue to offer Subaru customers products that integrate sheer excitement, safe, comfortable and reliable driving, respect of the global environment and peace of mind based on its philosophy of “Customer comes first.”

[Source: Subaru, Prodrive]

A report posted on the Finnish MTV3 network's website claims Subaru will no longer compete in the World Rally Championship in 2009. This is big news as Subaru developed much of its following and fan base by successful competing in the series with its iconic blue-and-yellow Imprezas.

If this report is correct, it would build on news earlier today of Suzuki pulling out of the WRC. Unlike Subaru, Suzuki was new to the series and therefore moving away from the series isn't as big of a deal.

Though companies like to have racing teams to show off their engineering prowess, in a bad economy it is sometimes the easiest thing to cut. This may explain why these reports are coming out so regularly. Of course, the WRC is introducing Spec-based rules for the future, but it may be too late for these two teams.

H/T to Osmo for the tip

[MTV3.fi, Photo SWRT]