LA Auto Show: Suzuki SXBox Concept

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Despite not having a press conference scheduled during the 2006 LA Auto Show, Suzuki "unveiled" (i.e. had sitting out when the show opened) the SXBox Concept, an SX4 modified with enough video game equipment to make any card-carrying gamer weep. The car features a dashboard integrated XBox 360 that pumps its arcade goodness through a projector mounted in place of the rearview mirror. Driver and passenger can then play Forza on the inside of the front-hinged hood that swings up to catch the projector's high-def digital entertainment. Back seat passengers get their own XBox 360, but are forced to play on two roof-mounted LCDs. A full stereo with amps, woofers and the whole bit erase any trunk space, along with an additional 30-inch LCD screen for Halo 2 tailgate parties off the back bumper. The car has also been upgraded with go-fast hardware in the form of a high-flow air intake, cat-back exhaust, sport suspension and better brakes to hasten getaways with your backseat full of stolen XBox consoles.

More shots of the SXBox Concept are hiding out after the jump, along with Suzuki's full press release.

[Source: Suzuki]

PHOTO GALLERY:



PRESS RELEASE:

AMERICAN SUZUKI PLAYS TO WIN AT 2006 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Suzuki debuts video game-inspired SXBox concept vehicle with help from professional gamer Patrick "Indigo Ferret" Wyrick

LOS ANGELES – (Nov. 29, 2006) – To reinforce its commitment to providing fun-to-drive vehicles for lifestyle-driven consumers, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) brings its "game face" to the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing two exceptional activity-oriented concepts, and its full-line of versatile cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and the bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover). All new for 2007, the XL7 and SX4 already have made a positive impression with media and consumers.

ASMC is enjoying record sales success in 2006, with total year-to-date sales up an impressive 25 percent through the first ten months vs. 2005, led by the redesigned Grand Vitara and the all-new XL7 and SX4, which recently arrived in dealer showrooms.

To further support the launch of Suzuki's two new vehicles, ASMC has developed a line of 2007 XL7 and SX4 "Suzuki LIVE Series" concept vehicles. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Suzuki will debut its SXBox, a modified SX4 concept designed for ultimate game fanatics, and BaseCamp, an XL7 concept built specifically for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. To showcase the SXBox's gaming capabilities, Suzuki will host a video game challenge on Nov. 29. Additionally, professional gamer Patrick "Indigo Ferret" Wyrick will be onsite at the Suzuki booth to provide last-minute video game counsel on the featured video game, Project Gotham 3.

"We developed the 2007 'Suzuki LIVE Series' to showcase the excitement of the all-new XL7 and SX4. We took our production vehicles and created a number of unique concept vehicles personalized to fit consumers' active lifestyles," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. "The implementation of brand-building marketing initiatives, such as these one-of-a-kind, lifestyle-based concept vehicles, provide the ongoing framework for Suzuki's evolving brand identity."

"Suzuki LIVE Series" Vehicles
Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the "Suzuki LIVE Series" (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its "Way of Life" brand proposition, which promises products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" vehicles for 2007, illustrating how its cars and SUVs play an integral part of consumers' everyday life.

The vehicles, coined BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Flix for film and entertainment buffs; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; will be on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.

SXBox
Built by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over, the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts. The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors.

The SXBox also is equipped with an impressive, high-performance wheel and tire package, providing gamers with the means to get to the nearest gaming competition. When parked, the SXBox's pearl white exterior is illuminated courtesy of a green LED accent kit.

The interior design of the SXBox features an ultra-high-tech, game-inspired color scheme throughout the inside of the vehicle, including recessed LED emitters to brighten the interior of the vehicle. The SXBox is outfitted with a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 gaming console, coupled with a close proximity digital projection system to display enthusiasts' game of choice on the interior of the vehicle's retractable hood, easily enabled by the push of a button. A second Xbox 360 video game system powers two separate LCD display screens in the seat backs of the SXBox to provide gaming excitement for rear passengers. For gamers who prefer to stand and play, the SXBox is equipped with a 30-inch retractable rear projection screen in the cargo area.

Adding comfort and convenience to the idea of in-car gaming, the concept vehicle features high-relief, force-feedback front seats with game-station highlights to create a snug gaming environment and four wireless controllers, including a steering-wheel-mounted gaming control for the driver. In addition, the SXBox's multi-speaker surround audio system with wide frequency response and thundering bass provides an intense atmosphere of video game stimulation.


About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 520 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 125 countries.

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