Fiat, Suzuki ink pact for Multijet

Fiat to supply upto 100,000 diesel engines every year to Suzuki.

Fiat and Suzuki Motor Corporation have reached an agreement for the supply of Fiat’s small diesel engine -- the 1.3-litre Multijet -- to Maruti Suzuki. Fiat India will supply up to 100,000 Multijet 75hp SDE engines every year for a three-year period that begins in the third week of January. Production of the engine for Maruti will start at Fiat India Automobiles’ Ranjangaon plant near Pune.

These volumes will be in addition to the 1.3-litre Multijet SDE engines already licensed by Fiat and manufactured by Suzuki Powertrain India. The 1.3 Multijet is a BS IV four-cylinder, 16V engine. It powers the all-new Swift and these additional supplies will enable Maruti to fulfill its deliveries of the car to the over 100,000 buyers who booked it. An estimated 80 percent of demand was for the diesel version. The SX4 and Ritz are also powered by the 1.3 Multijet engine.

With the colossal swing towards diesel-engined cars in the Indian market, carmakers have struggled to supply enough diesel models to their customers. With over 100,000 bookings for the all-new Swift, the problem was particularly significant for Maruti. Earlier, Maruti Suzuki had imported diesel engines from its Hungary facility.

Review and testdrive of new SWIFT DZIRE

We first broke the news about the sub-four-metre new Swift Dzire on our website on December 31, 2010. We also brought you the first pictures of the car on our website on April 26, 2010 and in our May 2011 issue. As you can tell, we have been tracking the evolution of this car very closely and that’s because a saloon car for potential hatchback money is not easy to ignore.

The second-generation Dzire is quite different from the car it replaces. For starters, it’s only 3995mm long so it is a whole 165mm shorter than its predecessor. To keep length under the crucial four-metre mark, the new Dzire sports an extremely short boot. As a result, the new Dzire looks more a notchback than a proper saloon.

The good thing is that the tail section is well integrated with the rest of the body and the whole look is more cohesive than the older car. Rear styling is neatly executed but the squarish profile of the bootlid links the new car with the older Dzire. Boot space, at 316 litres is a whole size down on the old car, but is large enough to hold a weekend’s luggage.

Maruti has tweaked styling to differentiate the Dzire from the new Swift on which it is based. The front gets a slatted grille while the bumper features a wider air dam and larger enclosures for the fog lights. It’s only aft of the B-pillar that the two cars really look different. The rear quarter glass has a more conventional fall to it and the rear door is marginally larger as well.

Cabin design is identical to the Swift’s though the use of beige plastics on the lower portion of the dashboard and door pads, and the light seat fabrics really enhance the ambience inside. The front seats, also from the Swift, are very comfortable, while existing Dzire owners will notice the increased space in the back courtesy the new Swift platform’s 40mm longer wheelbase. Rear-seat comfort is decent but the backrest is a tad too reclined. Adjustable headrests and a rear centre armrest do enhance comfort here.

As before, Maruti will sell the Dzire with two engine options – an 86bhp, 1.2-litre petrol and 74bhp, 1.3-litre diesel. Both engines are identical to those on the new Swift, as is the gearing. The K-Series petrol engine benefits from Variable Valve Timing and this has resulted in a 2bhp power bump compared to the older car. Driving the car at the media launch at the Buddh International Circuit, we were reacquainted with the engine’s good low-speed response, slight lack of mid-range punch and impressive top end.

Surprisingly, it was the diesel that was more enjoyable at the track. With the turbo on song past 1800rpm, the engine’s healthy mid-range performance allowed us to power out of the slowest corners with ease. In real-world conditions, that should translate to good driveability.

Gearshifts on the five-speed gearbox were smooth and light in operation too. This brings us to the big surprise – the new Dzire will also be sold with a four-speed automatic transmission on the petrol model. The gearbox complements the petrol engine quite well and shifts are smooth too. Moreover, it adapts well to changes in throttle inputs. It’s only when you floor the throttle that the build of power is slightly jerky. Maruti will offer the automatic in only the middle-level VXi trim so you don’t get many goodies like climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, rear defogger or essentials like a driver seat height adjust and seatbelt height adjuster. A fully loaded version would have simply priced the automatic out of contention.

The Dzire shares suspension hardware with the Swift, though the rear has been tuned for comfort. While it was not possible to pass judgement on ride quality given the smooth tarmac at the circuit, we expect the softened setup should rid the Dzire of some of the Swift’s low-speed firmness. The flipside is that the Dzire also tends to roll a fair bit more than the Swift. What we did like though was the feedback at the steering wheel and good body control even when driving the car at its very limit.

On the whole, the new Dzire makes a compelling case for itself. It is smart to look at, comes decently specced and is good fun to drive too. The engines are refined and also score on the fuel economy front with ARAI-tested figures of 19.1kpl for the manual petrol and 23.4kpl for the diesel. Automatic transmission only adds convenience to the package.

Whille Maruti will announce prichttp://carzera.blogspot.com/2011/12/maruti-announces-auto-expo-plans.htmling on February 1 at the car’s launch, we hear the new Dzire will cost as much as the model it replaces which will continue to sell in taxi avatar.

If that’s the case, Maruti has yet another winner on its hands.

Suzuki reveals Auto-Expo plans

The upcoming Auto Expo in Delhi will see the Japanese bike-maker showcase its international range of sport and touring bikes. This includes the Hayabusa, Intruder M1800, GSX-R1000, GSR750, DL650A (V-Strom) and RMX450Z. The Indian range will be showcased too, with models like the SlingShot Plus, the GS150R and the Access 125 scooter. Also at the Expo will be the newly launched Intruder M800, which comes with an 805cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled, 8-valve V-Twin powerplant.

For visitors who wish to know more about each product, there will be a special interactive touchscreen stand that will impart product details. And that’s not all. The stall will also host Paintjam, a theatrical art performance by the internationally acclaimed improvisational speed-painter Dan Dunn.

The theme for Suzuki Motorcycle is titled ‘APNA WAY OF LIFE’. This focuses on consumers at an individual level and also shows how a customer relates to the Suzuki Motorcycle product in daily life.

Maruti announces Auto Expo plans

Maruti Suzuki has revealed its plans for the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo.The big news for
 the small-car giant will be its aggressive entry into the UV segment with two models – both of which will be showcased at the Expo in New Delhi.
First up will be the global unveiling of Maruti’s first compact MPV, the Ertiga. As originally seen in our spy images, the Ertiga looks similar to the Swift from the front, with peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches. The rear treatment looks well proportioned, if rather generic in comparison. The Ertiga will seat seven and will come with petrol and diesel engine options.Along with the Ertiga, Maruti will also showcase a comp
act SUV concept.  Both these new models are the result of a joint effort between Maruti Suzuki in India and Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.  According to Maruti, the compact SUV concept has been designed in a record time of just nine months.
“As the market gets more competitive, we have to gear up for the new dynamics. We are thus showing the best we can offer. The new models like the SUV, MPV and MUV will prove to the world that we are future-ready. We need to get first-hand feedback for this,” says Maruti Suzuki managing executive officer marketing and sales, Mayank Pareek.
Maruti will also add another engine to its popular K-series family - the K14.  As the name suggests, the K14 is a 1.4-litre petrol motor that is equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT).  It will displace 1372cc and deliver a decent 95bhp. The Ertiga will debut this new engine, but will also be available with a 1.3-litre DDiS ‘Super Turbo’ diesel engine.
Some of parent company Suzuki’s international compact cars – like the Solio, Palette and MR Wagon – will also be on display at Maruti’s Auto Expo stand, which Pareek says are intended to “study consumer feedback."

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZiRE

Maruti Suzuki has been reborn as a make with a portfolio of global models. Way back in 1994 when Maruti Suzuki had introduced its first entry level sedan 'Esteem', it set a benchmark that continued to rule till late 2000. With the aging of Esteem, Maruti Suzuki scrapped the model from 2008 and has now introduced the new Swift DZiRE sedan. Swift DZiRE is the sedan version of the famous Swift

2011 Suzuki Swift Sport Cars

The first generation Suzuki Swift was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside of Japan, the "Suzuki Ignis" name was used. Both three- and five-door hatchback body styles were offered, although the three-door was not offered as part of the regular lineup in Japan. 2003–2008 Suzuki Ignis (Germany). The Swift was powered by a new generation of Suzuki inline-four gasoline

Donny Schmit's 1990 Suzuki

Via : www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Many of the bikes in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tell the story of technological progress and innovation. This bike tells the story of one very determined racer.


Donny Schmit carved out his own career path to motocross success. The Minnesota native got off to a good start by winning the 125cc West Region title in the 1986 AMA Supercross Series. But

2011 Suzuki Alto SZ-L Compack SUV Cars

2011 Suzuki Alto SZ-LThe 2011 Suzuki Alto SZ-L model is based on the popular SZ3 mid grade model with air conditioning;  pollen filter and side airbags as standard equipment but offers added customer value with a higher specification including front fog lamps and various exterior and interior upgrades; all for £8,170. For the exterior; SZ-L is recognised by its stylish new design wheel caps,

2011 Suzuki SX4 Sedan, Crossover and Sportback

2011 Suzuki’s five-door SX4 Crossover and its sedan counterpart, the all-new four-door 2011 Suzuki SX4 Sport led December sales. Launched in late years, the SX4 Sport has enjoyed media acclaim and popular response in the showroom thanks to its appealing design and standard features competitive with compact sedans costing thousands more. December sales of the 2011 Suzuki SX4 models totaled 2,309

2011 SUZUKI KIZASHI SPORTS CARS

With the launch of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi, Suzuki is taking aim at the midsize sedan segment. More precisely, the smaller end of the midsize market, since the Kizashi yields several centimetres to its main rivals in wheelbase and overall length. It also stands out, for the time being at least, for the fact that it is offered only as a fully equipped model, with leather upholstery, four-wheel

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Review

 American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan - a city known for its imports and populated by many - to launch 2011 World Sport Suzuki Kizashi 2010 New York International Auto Show. Available exclusively at GTS Kizashi and the levels of SLS a seat variant of Suzuki, the new "sport" of its elegant and sophisticated sports sedan is scheduled for sale in the United States in August. The price of the new Sport-2011 Suzuki Kizashi will be announced closer to the vehicle arrives in dealerships.

"We were happy with an enthusiastic response from the Kizashi 2010-and we look for buyers sport sedan offering the latest version of our stylish sports sedan later this year," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of the American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The Suzuki Kizashi Sport gives us the opportunity to bet on sports sedan short-term results and to commit more driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable alternative to luxury vehicles."

Based on the recent Kizashi 2010 (pronounced "Shee-Kee-Zah"), already known for its near-luxury content and the Euro-platform game, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport moves the meter to the excitement a multitude of external mods . These include a more muscular front bumper (with chrome accents) and the lower grille, the extensions of the table body, lower molding on the side of the body with chrome accents, trunk-mounted spoiler, light weight as alloy wheels of 18 inches and a height of 10 mm lower for a combination of improved aerodynamics and a low center of gravity for better grip and sharper handling.

In the new Kizashi typically designed to receive a sport steering wheel with perforated leather handles and contrast stitching on the seats, leather shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Home improvements for sports talk Suzuki Kizashi, with sports seats of the form-fitting cockpit and driver-centric.

2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Review

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) unveiled a concept version of its gas-electric sedan Kizashi at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Suzuki Kizashi Concept nicknamed EcoCharge again this innovative, eye-catching four-door Suzuki illustrates global history of eco-mobility, and highlights the company's efforts in conducting socially conscious.

"We continue to explore the virtues of gas-electric technology in Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge," said Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation. "Our basic concept was to achieve significant gains in fuel economy without the traditional offering to conduct the performance required by today's midsize hybrid sedans. Proof of our concept is that the Kizashi EcoCharge has the ability to offer a benefit of 25 percent fuel economy in real world driving by an electric charge in the powertrain system, but maintain production Kizashi dynamic behavior Brakes and benefits that make it an exceptional performer category. "

Powertrain Electrification Kizashi

Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge is powered by a gasoline engine 2.0-liter in-line four years, working in tandem with a peak electric propulsion system, which consists of a liquid-cooled engine of 15 kW generator, linked to an air-cooled battery lithium ion 115 volts. The combination helps to optimize fuel and emits an electrical impulse during acceleration to a more dynamic driving. Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge offers a 25 percent increase for highway fuel economy today Kizashi.

To help maximize efficiency, the Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge also benefit from a series of energy-saving technologies, including regenerative braking, engine shut off automatically when the car stops, fuel cut-off special events deceleration and low rolling resistance tires.

Power management is provided through an advanced six-speed automatic transmission designed for speed for smooth and continuous flow of energy when called by the driver.

Simple, but the layout is very nice design

The exterior of the Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge is highlighted by a unique satin gloss white paint with a subtle blue undercoat. To better define the concept outside of his brothers and sisters Kizashi production, it has been a beacon and specialist lighting LED Foglight integrated into the front fascia. Lightweight aluminum wheels convey a futuristic feel, and are wrapped in tires with low rolling resistance. "

Eco-Friendly Interiors

Inside, Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge seat uses advanced materials. These materials require 84 percent less energy to produce and create emissions of 80 per cent less than the production of virgin material.

Suzuki Kizashi Concept EcoCharge information

* Engine: DOHC I-4 J20B

O displacement: 1998 cc

Valve train o: VVT-admission

Or the power: 144 hp rpm (106 kW) at 6500

O Torque: 127 lb.-ft. (173 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

No fuel economy target (Hwy): 25 percent improvement over the production Kizashi

* Transmission: 6-speed automatic

* Electric Drive System

No Type: belt-driven, induction motor, liquid cooled generator unit and a lithium ion battery, power electronics and air-cooled battery

o The maximum electricity production: 15 kW @ rpm 1570-3180

No maximum power the electric motor (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2kW @ 1000-2200 rpm

or lithium-ion battery: 115V, 0.5 kWh, 15 kW peak power

The ‘CYCLONE’ TM400R

.Nicknamed the ‘CYCLONE’ the TM400R was the first Japanese production motocrosser to be mass-produced. The huge 82.5mm bore piston turned out 40 bhp at 6,500 rpm and along with the fan-finned cylinder head it had a compression ratio of 7.3 : 1. The crankshaft halves were not full circle type as fitted to most two-stroke engines and made the engine rev more; one answer was to fit aftermarket

Suzuki Swift S Concept 2011

Suzuki unveiled the Swift S-Concept Model at the Geneva Auto Show. The concept sure looks cool but I do see a bit of MINI Cross Over Concept in it, from the front in the sides and on the roof.. What do you say?

[Source: Suzuki]