Suzuki Makai

Concurrent with the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport production vehicle, Suzuki further expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.
With spirited colors and a playful design, Suzuki’s newest LIVE Series offering, the Makai concept, is based on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport and has a dedicated open-car bodystyle for breezy fun-in-the-sun motoring – the perfect ingredient for an exhilarating driving experience. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, Calif., the Makai’s potential is fully realized with its comprehensive list of imaginative, high-style features.

From the ground up, its large 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tires, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers further enhance the Makai’s wide, aggressive stance. Adorned with multi-step sunset orange paint, custom body kit, styled exhaust, and LED taillights and running lamps, the Makai’s exterior is sure to turn curious heads.

Beachgoers and surf aficionados will enjoy the ride to the beach just as much as the beach itself with Makai’s custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop further enhances the Makai’s sporty open-air look.

The Makai’s al fresco cabin is complete with custom interior components, including ventilated, suspended seats in all four positions, high output, beach party-themed VeaLink audio system with MTX speakers and components, dashboard-integrated Garmin® navigation system, Kinetik Power Cell battery, StreetWires audio/video install kit and cabling, Momo Sport steering wheel and color-keyed interior accent lighting.

Suzuki SX4 WRC

Suzuki hopes to steal the rally crowd’s attention at the Frankfurt auto show with its newest entrant in the World Rally Championship, the SX4 WRC.
he automaker gave notice earlier this year at the Geneva auto show that it plans to participate in the WRC. Pilot models of the car will be unveiled in Frankfurt before making their racing debut. On October 12, the SX4 based rally car is slated to compete in the Rallye de France in Corsica in an effort to test the car under real-life racing conditions. Assuming this goes well, another appearance is expected at the grueling Rally of Great Britain at the end of 2007 for one final test before committing to the full WRC season in 2008.

If successful, Suzuki’s bid for WRC stardom could provide the exposure needed to boost sales globally. It wouldn’t be the first time the company has had success in the racing world—and we’re not talking about MotoGP. Suzuki has enjoyed success in the past in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the Junior World Rally Championship, although this will be the first racing action for the SX4.