Suzuki looks to Equator for pickup
To bolster its product line and enhance the company’s adventurous brand identity, Suzuki is introducing a new truck to its lineup – the all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup the company says blends the style, utility and off-road capability many truck buyers – many of whom probably already own Suzuki products, be it a motorcycle, ATV or marine product – demand and enjoy.
Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles in rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations.
“Suzuki has continued to strengthen its brand equity among outdoor enthusiasts and thought now was the right time to produce a vehicle that meets the additional needs many of these people have,” said Mark Harano, president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Truck buyers are a particularly good fit for Suzuki since they’re likely to participate in motorcycle riding, power boating and other lifestyle-oriented activities that fit with our brand identity and our product portfolio.”
In introducing the Equator at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Suzuki showed three concept representations of the truck -- the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports aficionados -- to showcase Suzuki’s diverse brand spirit and illustrate the capability and flexibility of the new pickup.
Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee alongside the Nissan Frontier on which it is based, the 2009 Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-litre DOHC inline-four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-litre DOHC V6 producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Equator matches either engine to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or the “four” to a five-speed manual, and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case.
For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.
Equator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,500 pounds.
Other Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and 16-inch and 17-inch wheels.
Equator Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer a high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an extensive tie-down system with adjustable tracks, providing ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five channel-rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable cleats slide into the channels, providing an infinite range of attachment points for securing cargo.
Because of its other motor products, Suzuki also offers specialized bed accessories that make loading, securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in competitive trucks, in addition to a full range of traditional accessories such as bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. Crew Cab models can also be equipped with a roof rack.
Inside, both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles feature flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats. The Equator offers additional convenience features such as a dual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage and one-litre bottle storage integrated into the front doors. A host of cupholders and power points are standard throughout the truck. Equator Crew Cab will also offer leather-appointed seats, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors and a factory-installed moonroof. The option list includes a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with six-disc in-dash CD audio system, optional satellite radio and MP3 capability, and MP3 player aux-in jack.
On the safety front, Equator features dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, tire-pressure monitoring system, front seat side-impact airbags and full-side curtain airbags for side impact and rollover protection, three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system on Crew Cab.
Equator RMZ-4
Designed to match Suzuki’s performance-oriented motocross motorcycles, the RMZ-4 concept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. Built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., the stunning concept truck features a number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender provided by Amp Research, 18-inch black chrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights. An equally stunning sound system includes an Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.
Quay
Also from Carlab, the Quay concept is built to suit recreational boating and watersports lifestyles, with a customized paint job that reflects the look of Suzuki’s line of marine engines. With an Extended Cab, long bed and hefty towing capabilities, the truck is equipped with a state-of-the-art Visteon nav-control centre that provides satellite radio, MP3 and navigation capabilities, in addition to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components. The Quay also sports special 20-inch wheels and a matching locking hard tonneau cover.
Quad Concept
Built to resemble the Suzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoor lifestyle, the Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-based Andry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab and military “look and feel.” In addition to a custom paint job and a two-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has been modified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style front bumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards. To enhance the vehicle’s overall appearance and performance, the Quad is equipped with Yokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheels and features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.
The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced, and it is not yet known if any of the concepts will inspire special trim packages.
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