A number of rumors began circulating the Web yesterday that contend Suzuki is in the process of building a homologation special out of its SX4 AWD hatch to take on the WRXs of the world. The idea was that Suzuki would enlist some of the technology derived from its WRC contender and it would form the basis of an "SX4 Sport," likely packing a 200+ HP turbocharged motor, along with upgraded brakes and a suspension tuned by rally savant Nobuhiro Tajima.
We took all this with a grain of salt when it originally swirled around the 'Net, and after some leg work by our friends over at Winding Road it turns out that the "Sport" is purely vaporware. According to a Suzuki spokesperson, the fact that the SX4 is already in production negates the need for a homologation version since the five-door hatch already satisfies the requirements for competition.
That all said, we'd still love to see Suzuki combine some of its rally-inspired tech with its motorcycle background, and with the new Subaru WRX and the rumored Ralliart version of the Mitsubishi Lancer coming to market, it would face some stiff competition for the hearts and minds of enthusiasts.
[Source: Winding Road]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Menice @ Sep 25th 2007 4:43PM
that is the ultimate 'skitch'en" bar
sovyanz @ Sep 25th 2007 4:48PM
my brother bought a suzuki aerio recently and it has a brakes problem, brakes wear our real fast as well has bad brake response. i wonder if that is for their other models as well
Joe K. @ Sep 25th 2007 4:51PM
'Now with removable spoiler! Perfect for being used as a sunshade at the beach. People will marvel at its versatility when you later use it as a picnic table.'
SPG @ Sep 25th 2007 4:52PM
Of course they won't.
They need some showroom bait to get people talking about Suzuki again but this would never turn a profit unless it cost too much.
It's sad though, I would of loved to see these around.
tuna @ Sep 25th 2007 4:54PM
So to paraphrase Suzuki: Money? We don't need no steekin' money?!
The formula worked wonders for Subaru. It may have saved Mitsubishi. And, Suzuki says no?
I see, said the blind man.
tuna @ Sep 25th 2007 4:55PM
So to paraphrase Suzuki: Money? We don't need no steekin' money?!
The formula worked wonders for Subaru. It may have saved Mitsubishi. And, Suzuki says no?
I see, said the blind man.
Roman @ Sep 25th 2007 5:03PM
Strange that they're not producing that. Then what were those spoilered up camouflages sx4's doing that were spotted driving around at a higher than legal speed?
importjap @ Sep 25th 2007 5:13PM
My thoughts exactly...
speedball3 @ Sep 25th 2007 8:07PM
I don't remember any such spy shots, but that would be very cool! Doesn't hurt to have a small, fun WRC-inspired hatch out on the market, right? Any links to those shots?
Alex @ Sep 25th 2007 5:38PM
i don't think suzuki has enough brand recognition to take a risk like this. people like their motorcycles, but their cars are not seen as much more than affordable people movers. No one is excited about suzukis, like they were about subaru and mitsubishi prior to their road-spec rally car launches.
tuna @ Sep 25th 2007 5:41PM
They will never gain brand recognition or be taken seriously as an automaker if they don't take risks. Their car business will remain obscure. The cars will always be in the shadow of the motorcycle business, hence the need for their current campaign: our cars are as fun as our motorcycles. If their car business had balls, they wouldn't need to muddy the message with motorcycles.
Richard @ Sep 25th 2007 7:05PM
I wonder if they'll make that "basket handle" available.
I think it would look good on the back of the STi I'll be getting.
Leaf @ Sep 25th 2007 8:10PM
Suzuki could rock if they'd get serious about their car business. They don't have a single compelling model! They're the only motorcycle company who's also in the car business but is unwilling to build good cars.
johnson @ Sep 25th 2007 10:23PM
dammit
Jed @ Sep 25th 2007 11:18PM
I suspect releasing a rally inspired SX4 would bolster sx4 sales in general. A contender against the WRX or Lancer Ralliart would raise Suzuki's profile, and get the attention of those of us who dream of that level of performance, but can't quite rationalize the expense.
Tio @ Sep 26th 2007 8:15AM
I would be really shocked if they take on the EVO or WRX.The minds running the Auto division at Suzuki are very conservative. Their products are focused on the home Japanese market. If they fit other markets, so be it. Thus the reason we get Daewoo's for the more American style cars. In the 1990's I remember a statement that the US market was not that important to them. They could pull out and still have a huge market for the rest of the world. Still pretty much the same today. I know the American arm likes to say they are increasing sales but if you look at the numbers they are really small. Toyota sells in three months ,more corollas than Suzuki sells in its entire line for the whole year. I personally like their Japanese cars. The Daewoo's, not so much. If they were a full line car maker with a model in each class the US market might be more important. Until then, we probably wont see high performance models. All just my opinion of course.
ebm14 @ Sep 26th 2007 2:43PM
Not taking risks and being obscure as some of you stated
before are completely wrong. At the Frankfurt auto show Suzuki is planning a segment D sedan with very modern feel and with refinement.
I do agree that the SX4 needs to expand their performance capabilities and I am sure we will see something like that in a few years.
The much loved Swift should be coming our way very soon and eventually the XL 7 will most likely have its own platform in the coming years. Right now, I do see a growing number on the road(NY).
Although Suzki has been in the shadows as some of you stated, I do feel in the near future they will catch up to Hyundai and maybe some other well known brands.
I wish them the best,
alexer @ Sep 27th 2007 11:30PM
damn it!!! so they won't? i love the motocycles and i wanted a suzuki sx4 rally to be my second car. i was waitting for it. focus can have the garaje for a little more.however is a great car too.