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When was the last time you used "Suzuki" and "awesome" in a sentence and weren't talking about a motorcycle? Well, get ready to do it now. Behold the Suzuki X-HEAD, one of several new concept vehicles the automaker will be showing off at next month's Tokyo Motor Show. Looking like it's ready to punch a HUMMER in the mouth and audition for a part in Transformers 2, the mega-trick-looking X-HEAD (dig the "X" tread pattern on the rubber) is all about flexibility (we think). If we're reading the Google-translated press release correctly, the "X" in its name signifies the unknown -- as in unknown or unlimited number of uses. Figure it could be everything from a camper, to a pickup, to a rescue vehicle and beyond. This, from a company whose bread-and-butter is kei cars? A round of applause is in order for this Eastern take on our childhood Tonka fantasies. We'll be sure to bring you more on this one from the show floor next month.
UPDATE: English-language press release added
[Source: Suzuki]
PRESS RELEASE (Translated):
Exhibition summary of 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007
X-HEAD
The X-HEAD is a cross utility vehicle offering a host of possibilities for people wanting to explore their world. Boasting a DNA borne of the legendary off-road capabilities of the Jimny and Grand Vitara and the load carrying capacity of the APV, X-HEAD epitomizes functional dependability and fun.
A key feature of X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes.
For example, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which provides sleeping space for two adults; a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; and a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for emergency rescue operations in a wide range of extreme environments.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Zerk @ Sep 28th 2007 10:13PM
Build it.
Bring it.
TEM @ Sep 28th 2007 10:34PM
Tonka toy trucks + Suzuki = This thing.
But still quite nice.
zamafir @ Sep 28th 2007 10:35PM
hawt, i want two!
JerryB @ Sep 28th 2007 10:42PM
It looks like a science experiment gone horribly wrong.
Eric @ Sep 28th 2007 10:51PM
Kinda reminds me of a Unimog.
BLS @ Sep 28th 2007 11:11PM
Dude. I swear Suzuki is the only Japanese car maker. Every other one is an appliance manufacturer. This is the imagination and whatnot that Japan is known for.
Philip @ Sep 28th 2007 11:16PM
AWESOME, it would make a great work vehicle.
Tom Design @ Sep 28th 2007 11:24PM
Wow, now we have the top five ugliest alternative vehicles:
1) Honda Element
2) Honda Pilot
3) Pontiac Aztec
4) Scion Xb
5) Subaru Tribeca
6) X-Head
Wait, that's six! Who knew there could be so many bad designs in a decade? And what's that name s'posed to be about? X-Head = Now celibate? or X-gen cranium?
Funny, gutsy study, but bad bad design.
TEM @ Sep 29th 2007 12:27AM
What, no FJ?
titan @ Sep 29th 2007 2:54AM
No Jeep Compass?
mavkato @ Sep 29th 2007 9:41AM
no isuzu vehicross?
jorge @ Sep 29th 2007 10:51PM
what no hummer(EVERYTHING CARD THEY MAKE)
Chuck U. Farlie @ Sep 28th 2007 11:25PM
'Cause the only thing better than a good HUMMER is great HEAD!
RobZ4 @ Sep 29th 2007 1:41AM
Phew...I thought I was the only one with a dirty mind...I was thinking the same...With the X and the HEAD
Carletti @ Sep 28th 2007 11:36PM
It does look kind of interesting...but it's too different to be taken seriously. Imagine driving this truck and pulling up next to a black, lifted, Silverado at a stoplight. Embarrassing, honestly.
humzuki @ May 23rd 2008 2:46AM
To be blunt, you have a small one....mind that is
Bring this thing to the US with a 1.6 turbo diesel and a micro service-bed and a ladder rack and you will corner the light duty service truck market.(who am I kidding, consultants are still telling the world we wont buy diesel)
But seriously, picking a black silverado as the ultimate stop-light staredown.....please.
dhg @ Sep 29th 2007 12:27AM
I'm wondering if it's actually pretty small - maybe not much bigger than a kei-car. Hidden in the machine-translation is a reference to the Suzuki Jimny (a tiny SUV) and also the Carry (a miniature truck/van), as well as the Escudo (the old Geo/Chevy Tracker). So I dont think it's quite in the Hummer/Silverado league.
BirdmanSTX @ Sep 29th 2007 12:53AM
I know a prodcution version probably wouldn't look so "robot" in the face, but I like it. Hopefully strong diesel power, but I have no idea if diesel is in Suzuki's bag of tricks or not... will be interested to hear more....
acidic @ Sep 30th 2007 7:16AM
I do believe they sell the Vitara in Europe with a diesel of some sort.
Yubastard @ Sep 29th 2007 12:57AM
that was the first thing I thought about when I saw the vehicle: Tonka