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Suzuki unveils 2009 GSX-R1000
Filed under: Suzuki, Motorcycles 
Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000
The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been around since 2001, replacing the venerable 1100 sportbike that couldn't quite match the performance of the sensational Yamaha R1 that was introduced in 1998. Ever since, the big Gixxer has been battling it out with the other Japanese literbikes for the outright performance crown. For 2009, the model gets evolutionary changes that are meant to eke that extra bit of speed out of the platform, which has shed a few pounds off the slightly porky model of the past few years. One instantly recognizable update is the new dual exhaust cans, now made from titanium in a very swoopy shape. There's a slight bump in the engine's compression, which now has larger titanium valves for better breathing potential. The front forks also come from Showa and feature the firm's new Big Piston technology. All in all, it may not be as flashy as the ABS-equipped CBR from Honda or the new crossplane crank from Yamana, but Suzuki's definitely been in-the-hunt these last few years. We'll see how things play out on the track and on the sales floor soon enough. (NOTE: pics are of European model, we're still waiting for Suzuki to release images of U.S.-spec version.)
[Source: Suzuki]Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Suzuki releases new Wagon R, Wagon R Stingray
Filed under: Economy, Wagons/Estates, Japan, Suzuki 
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Suzuki Wagon R Stingray
As of today, Suzuki has a new Wagon R on the market in Japan. It's joined by a new Wagon R Stingray variant (above) as well, and the duo will set about filling the shoes of their bestselling predecessors. The new Wagon Rs don't lose their signature boxiness, but they wear all-new sheetmetal and sit on a longer wheelbase. The standard Wagon R gets a friendly face with large, tall headlamps, while the sportier-themed Wagon R Stingray gets a chrome grille strip that runs between its thinner, horizontal lamps.
The rest follows the standard kei-car formula. Darker, more masculine colors characterize the Stingray, while the Wagon R clearly includes women in its target audience, sporting a color palette loaded with the lighter solids and pastels. Normally-aspirated and turbocharged 660cc engines are offered, mated to either 4- or 5-speed automatics or a CVT, depending on trim level. The turbocharged Stingray with CVT even gets paddle shifters to give drivers complete control over the 64 ponies corraled underhood. A snazzier, dark interior with some nifty lighting is also available in the Stingray.
Suzuki hopes to sell 18,000 new Wagon Rs every month, and if the previous generation showed us anything, we can expect to see a variety of spinoff models over time.
[Source: Suzuki]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Suzuki, First Drive 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Suzuki Equator
Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That's a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow's first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.
All Photos (C) Copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Loris Capirossi to race on four wheels in the Suzuki Tempest Rally
Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki, Motorcycles, Special/Limited Editions 
Loris Capirossi, who usually races on two wheels in MotoGP, will give it a go on four wheels, though he'll be remaining loyal to the Suzuki brand in the process. The race will take place on November 8 in Aldershot, U.K. as part of the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup rally racing series that we told you about last April. The Italian motorcycle racer has driven in rally events in the past, but his low experience level against the talented crew of professional rally drivers will make the successful MotoGP racer a major underdog. As an added bonus, Capirossi will race against his motorcycling boss, Paul Denning, who is also racing as a guest at the Tempest Rally. That should be fun.
It isn't that uncommon for racers from one sport to take part in another. Recent examples such as Travis Pastrana and Michael Schumacher prove that success in one discipline can in fact equal a measure of success in another. For his part, Loris says he'll do his best to be competitive. We wish Capirossi the best, but we expect him to be back on his factory Suzuki GSV-R mount in short order.
[Source: Motorcycle.com]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Euro patent drawings reveal production Suzuki Kizashi
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, Suzuki 
Click above to view the Suzuki Kizashi drawings in high-res
The European patent office has revealed a few outline drawings of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi mid-sizer that the Japanese automaker, more often associated with high-performance motorcycles, hopes will compete head-on with the best in the world. The Kizashi could be a make-it or break-it type vehicle for Suzuki, which sells huge numbers of very small cars in Japan but has only a small foothold in the United States. These drawings seem to indicate that the Kizashi will keep some of its styling cues intact, though it also looks as if it could be mistaken for a Chevy Malibu from some angles.
When Suzuki releases the Kizashi to the general public, which some speculate could be as early as the Paris Motor Show next month, it will be equipped with both four-cylinder and V6 engine options with up to 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive. Specs like that ought to strike some fear into the established players if Suzuki is able to keep the price down. Stay tuned.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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