Suzuki has unveiled two Kizashi-based concepts ahead of the New York show; the first is the earlier mentioned Kizashi Apex Concept, and the other is this one, called the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept.

If the Apex Concept is all about performance, the EcoCharge Concept points to the company’s efforts towards eco-conscious motoring. It features a 2.0 litre petrol engine working in tandem with an electric propulsion system combining a 15 kW motor and a 115V lithium-ion battery.

The J20B four-cylinder block develops 142 hp at 6,500 rpm and 173 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, while the electric motor adds to things with its 11.2 kW (15 hp) maximum output at 1,000-2,200 rpm. Matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid Kizashi sees a 25% improvement in real-world fuel economy over its petrol sibling.

In addition to the hybrid system, Suzuki has employed numerous other fuel-conserving technologies including regenerative braking, an engine stop-start system, fuel cut-off during deceleration and low-rolling resistance tyres.

Externally, the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept differs itself from its production sibling with a specialised headlight treatment, LED fog light illumination across the front fascia, new-look lightweight alloy wheels and a unique luminescent white satin paint finish, which contains subtle blue undertones.

Gallery after the jump.
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Suzuki has unveiled two Kizashi-based concepts ahead of the New York International Auto Show, one of them an eco-friendly version, the other a performance variant. The latter is the one here, and it’s called the Kizashi Apex Concept.

It’s a salute to Suzuki’s motorcycling heritage, and boasts a Garrett turbocharger, an air-to-liquid intercooler, electronic boost control and a specific engine control unit calibration for enhanced driving dynamics.

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The force-fed system takes the 2.4 litre sedan’s power output into the 295 hp range, with a maximum boost of 8.5 psi. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Key to the Apex Concept’s performance is its air-to-liquid intercooler, which is designed for more effective charge air cooling in a smaller package. The unit’s relatively small heat exchanger and circulation pump are designed for minimal intrusions to vehicle cooling, and the intercooler’s primary advantage comes from the reduction in the overall length of ducting, which results in less turbo lag for a faster throttle response.

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The bodywork of the Apex Concept features a striking livery based on Suzuki’s motorcycle racing design theme, and hints at the vehicle’s bloodline to the legendary GSX-R superbike.

Features on the concept include customised LED-based front fog lamps, HID headlamps and special lightweight 19-inch alloys – in a burnt asphalt finish – wearing Yokohama S.Drive 245/35 series tyres. Inside, the cabin receives an eye-catching treatment in black leather, with laser blue Alcantara accents to be found on the sports seats and steering wheel.

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Italians tired of the Tricolore on a Fiat can now opt for some Japanese flavour. Suzuki has a limited edition version of its Swift supermini and it’s called Samurai Design. It’s purely a styling package, without any changes under the rounder edged skin of the current Swift, which is still yet to be introduced here.

Based on the five-door Swift, the Samurai Design consists of red paint and a Rising Sun flag on the roof. Like on the MINI, that same design is repeated wing mirror caps. A white stripe runs length of the car’s sides and there are special logos on the C pillar, which is blacked out here.

There’s no extra charge for the Samurai Design, so it’s first come first serve. More pics after the jump.
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Yesterday we showed you the Suzuki S-Concept that was unveiled at the Geneva show. It previews the upcoming Swift Sport based on the new Swift that was launched mid 2010. Here are some live images for a better view.

We don’t know much of the technical details as they weren’t released, except that this Lightning Pearl Yellow concept sits 30 mm lower and is 60 mm wider than the standard Swift. Those multi spoke wheels are huge 18-inch items wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza 225/45 tyres. We can also see Brembo calipers holding drilled brake discs from the images.

But perhaps the biggest news is that the S-Concept has a six-speed manual gearbox, one cog up from the current Swift Sport. If this makes it to production, the high revving engine will get to relax a little and settle on a less noisy rpm when cruising, surely a welcome addition.

More images after the jump.
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This is the Suzuki S-Concept that was unveiled at Geneva. It doesn’t take a genius to predict that it’s a preview of the upcoming Swift Sport, the hot version of Suzuki’s latest supermini that was launched mid last year. They didn’t release any specs or info on what’s planned under the skin, so we can only speculate on the looks.

From one of the more subtle and classy sport hatchbacks around, the next Swift Sport takes on an attention hungry, over the top persona, if what we see here translates to production wholesale. For a junior hot hatch that’s expected to get an upgraded version of the M16A 1.6-litre NA engine (125 hp in current car), it has the bodywork to make one expect at least 200 hp. Perhaps Suzuki’s focus groups asked for a more overtly sporting car?

The elongated front headlamps of the new Swift gets a vertical twin projector layout; below them are big fog lamps with triple claws for extra drama. The grille is a single black honeycomb unit, not unlike the Mk5 Golf GTI, with a silver bar breaking it up in the middle.

On the side, there are vents behind the front wheel arch and on the side sills, painted in contrasting colour. The rear is very aggressive looking with that big spoiler and prominent diffuser style rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes. There are two more vertical slats on the bumper.

Inside, the S-Concept adds on metal pedals, gloss black trim and a steering wheel with perforated leather and a centre marker, Renault Sport style. Even the Recaros look similar to those found in the Megane RS 250. Add in the fact that yellow is the signature colour for both Swift Sport and Renault Sport, and you’ll spot some inspiration here and there. In any case it’s understandable, since the guys from Dieppe make some of the best hot hatches one can buy today.

I prefer the looks of the current SSS, but wouldn’t mind trading its cabin for this. How about you? Gallery after the jump.
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Suzuki is set to premiere its Swift S-Concept at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. No details have been announced, save that the concept is based on the new Swift hatchback, and that it will feature a sportier design theme which will be “reflected by a look in which sportiness has been added to the Swift’s stylish design.”

Not the Swift S-Concept for Geneva, but the R Concept for Beijing. Don’t get them mixed up.

Er, yes, that tells us very much about the S-Concept, it does. Wonder if it’s anything like the Swift R Concept that has been announced for this year’s Beijing Auto Show in April. This one derives its inspiration from Suzy’s superbikes, notably the GSX-R 1000. Party tricks include a flash bodykit and widened wheel arches. It’ll be interesting to see how different R is from S, being that close in deployment as they are.

According to reports, Suzuki is planning to build its first new small car engine in 16 years. The planned block is a 660cc unit, which is expected to deliver a fuel economy figure of 27 km per litre, an improvement of 20% over the company’s current engines.

With market conditions being what they are, and fuel prices continuing to climb, going the small displacement route will allow Suzuki to increase its competitiveness in developing cheaper models for both established and emerging markets, a pertinent point given the competition coming about, notably in India. It will also allow better domestic penetration, given that nearly 40% of Japanese passenger car sales are from the minicar segment.

The company is set to spend close to US$250 mil over a period of three years to retool its Sagara plant in Japan to build the new engine, the report quoted, adding that it is expected to first make its appearance in the MR Wagon before becoming the definitive block for all of the company’s minicars.

The new third-generation Suzuki Swift has bagged the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC) 2011 Japanese Car Of The Year award. The car won in the domestic category with a score of 288 points, ahead of Nissan’s March at 258 and Honda’s Fit Hybrid, which scored 215 points, and in awarding it the title, judges praised the Swift’s excellent interior quality as well as its driving stability and comfort, among other things.

It’s the second RJC Japanese COTY achievement for the Swift, with the previous incarnation winning the prize in 2006. The RJC is a non-profit organisation established in 1990, and made up of Japan-based automotive critics and journalists. Each year, the organisation bestows Car of The Year awards for both Japanese and import models, as well as for the Technology of The Year.

Incidentally, the Volkswagen Polo won the Import COTY title with 294 points, finishing ahead of the Citroen C3, which managed 223 points, and the winner for the technology award was Subaru’s EyeSight driving assistance system as found in the Legacy.