Suzuki Recalling Grand Vitara and SX4 in the States

More than 32,000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles are being recalled in the United States over an improperly manufactured component of the tension adjuster pulley that could cause the drive belt to either slip or come off and lead to engine overheating or stalling.
Suzuki said the recall concerns the 2009-2010 model year Grand Vitara SUVs equipped with 4-cylinder engines; 2011MY Grand Vitara vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; 2010MY SX4s and 2011MY SX4s manufactured before October 14, 2010.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that in the affected vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress.
According to the government agency, if the spring breaks, the drive belt can slip, causing a squeaking noise, or come off, in which case, the driver will have to use increased steering effort, while it can also cause the engine to overheat or stall.
The Japanese firm's dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2011.

Suzuki to Preview Hot Hatchback in Geneva with Swift S-Concept

Ever since Suzuki presented the latest generation of the Swift in the summer of 2010, we were wondering if the Japanese automaker had any plans to add a sportier version to its supermini's range. Well, it appears that Suzuki does have something in mind as the company will be exhibiting a new concept car named the SWIFT S-CONCEPT at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

All we get for now is a teaser rendering showing the latest Swift sub-compact dressed in a new and more aggressive outfit with blistered front wheel arches, a new front bumper and grille design, unique headlamps and exterior mirrors plus a large roof wing.
According to Suzuki, the overall development concept was to create "a stylish sport compact with premium performance." Apparently we'll have to wait until the Geneva Salon to find out what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve.

Suzuki Sporty Swift S-CONCEPT

Suzuki, with a smidgen of vigor instilled by Volkswagen's investment and interest, brought its Swift S-CONCEPT to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show this year.

Building on its hot hatch heritage, Suzuki's Swift S-CONCEPT is the manufacturer's attempt to remind people that they're still around in the segment. Although this concept is based on the latest Swift (which debuted in Europe in 2010), the S-CONCEPT is lower and wider than its regular production counterparts. Scroll down for the specs.

Suzuki added just the right amount of sporty styling under that garish yellow, such as revised fascias, new lights, a large rear wing and fifteen-spoke 18's wrapped around beefy 225/45 R18 tires. Inside are sport buckets and seating for four accented by carbon fiber trim. Put together, these factors have created a neat little hot hatch that looks the part. No word on what's lurking under the concept model's hood - if there's anything, that is.
Designed to go up against cars like VW's Polo GTI and Ford's upcoming Fiesta ST, this sporty concept is a looker that should...should...be able to compete globally. Will we see it in the US? HA! Only if VW's all-powerful leaders decide that Suzuki belongs Stateside. Here's an idea, V-Dub: take on Scion.

By Phil Alex

"Technical data:
Length: 3,890 mm
Width: 1.755 mm
Height: 1,475 mm
Wheelbase: 2,430 mm
Engine: M16A (1.6 L)
Drive: Front wheel drive
Tires: 225/45R18
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Color: Lightning Yellow Pearl (Geneva 2011 Special Edition)"

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Car

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Front View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Front Seats

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Series

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Steering Wheel

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Side View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Interior

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Photo

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Rear View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Wheel

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Test Road

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Car

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Front View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Front Seats

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Series

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Steering Wheel

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Side View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Interior

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Photo

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Rear View

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Wheel

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Test Road

Suzuki Kizashi 3

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. 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 Kizashi 3 concept features a muscular, planted stance, a short front overhang and 21 inch wheels that are very likely to disappear by the time the new sedan hits the road along with the dual exhaust outlets.

The Kizashi 3 Concept is powered by a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine with plated cylinders that produces 300 hp. The plated cylinders save both weight and space, and has directly evolved from Suzuki’s motorcycle business and WRC development teams.. It features all wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission that offers drivers the option of using paddle shifters or letting the computer control the shifts.
Kizashi, which means prelude in Japanese, it’s supposed to be the closest to production, Suzuki it’s planning to introduce the sedan production to the U.S. market by 2010, The vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong, refined urban performance.

Suzuki Kizashi 3

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. 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 Kizashi 3 concept features a muscular, planted stance, a short front overhang and 21 inch wheels that are very likely to disappear by the time the new sedan hits the road along with the dual exhaust outlets.

The Kizashi 3 Concept is powered by a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine with plated cylinders that produces 300 hp. The plated cylinders save both weight and space, and has directly evolved from Suzuki’s motorcycle business and WRC development teams.. It features all wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission that offers drivers the option of using paddle shifters or letting the computer control the shifts.
Kizashi, which means prelude in Japanese, it’s supposed to be the closest to production, Suzuki it’s planning to introduce the sedan production to the U.S. market by 2010, The vehicle’s overall mission to provide strong, refined urban performance.