Starting in August of 2007, Suzuki will race in the World Rally Championship with a car that is based on the Suzuki SX4, a new crossover unveiled inGeneva. The SX4 is Suzuki's third new model since last year and is the successor to the world-market Ignis. Developed together with Fiat, as a result of the former cooperation between General Motors and Fiat, the SX4's Fiat cousin is known as the Sedici. Both the Fiat and the Suzuki models will be built in Hungary in the Magyar Suzuki plant that has a capacity for 40,000 Suzukis and 20,000 Fiats. If there is enough capacity, Fiat will also build a more luxurious Lancia version of the crossover.
The Suzuki SX4 will be available in two models, an urban and an outdoors model. The latter will have AWD with three modes: front-wheel drive, automatic AWD and AWD lock mode. There will be two gasoline engines with 99 hp and 107 hp and a diesel with 120 hp. The SX4 will get ABS and EBD, while ESP will be available.
The Rally Sport version of the SX4 has been developed parallel to the new SX4 model and is being tested and further developed to be ready for competition next year. Suzuki decided to participate in the WRC because the team had done so well in the Junior WRC, with drivers winning first place with the Ignis Super 1600 in 2004. The new all-wheel-drive system that Suzuki developed especially for the WRC car consists of mechanical differentials front and at the rear and a central electronic differential. The 320 hp of the turbocharged four-cylinder will be transferred to the wheels via a sequential five-speed gearbox. Maximum torque is expected to be 470 lb-ft.
Mazdaspeed3
2007 Mazdaspeed3 |
Mazda launched the MPS version of the Mazda3, which follows its bigger brother the Mazda6 MPS (in the U.S. , Mazdaspeed3 will be the moniker). Mazda says the 2.3-liter turbo engine delivers over 250 hp, along with 170 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. It's teamed to a six-speed gearbox, and the front-wheel-driven Mazda3 MPS can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just over 5.8 seconds. With aerodynamic changes the 3 MPS can reach a top speed of 155 mph. Mazda claims that the Mazda3 MPS is the fastest car in the compact class.
The sporty version stands on 18-inch ten-spoke wheels, has unique fascias, square fog lights, side skirts, and a roof spoiler with LED third brake light.
Mazda improved the suspension and brake system to match the sportier qualities of the MPS, and at the same time facelifted the car with a new radiator grille and new front and rear fascias. Mazda uses new interior colors, while the instrument panel is white and the dials of the gauges are white.
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