A turbocharged concept version of the class-leading Suzuki Kizashi sedan wowed crowds at the recent Sydney Motor Show.
The high performance adaption of the newest model in the mid-size car market was a surprise highlight at the exhibition.
Building on the sporting qualities of the production Kizashi, the more powerful version is the result of cooperation between Suzuki Australia and California-based aftermarket performance company, Road Race Motorsports.
In September Road Race Motorsports launched a turbocharged Platinum Edition Kizashi in North America with the choice of two levels of engine output and three suspension packages. The company also offers a turbo kit for the Suzuki SX4 in California.
The Kizashi is becoming a favourite of car tuners in the United States because it is seen as a perfect blank canvas for their creations.
With the fitting of a turbocharger offering 7 psi boost and a few other subtle changes, the 2.4-litre JB24 series engine’s power increases by more than 36 per cent from 131 kW to 179 kW at 4,800 rpm.
Engine torque rises by 43 per cent from 230 Nm to 330 Nm at 4,000 rpm, giving a solid boost to the car’s mid-range performance.
Suzuki Australia worked with the backing of the Japanese parent company and the concept Kizashi Turbo has been engineered with a lower ride height, upgraded brakes and a front engine room strut for increased rigidity.
A new rear deck and spoiler plus larger diameter aluminium alloy wheels and lower profile tyres enhance the car’s already fine handling and roadholding.
The 19-inch, six double spoke RPF1 alloys are fitted with 245/40 series Pirelli P-Zero tyres, and the car’s exterior is also distinguished by a bold white stripe along the body flanks.
Tony Devers, managing director of Suzuki Australia, said the car would be offered to media to drive while customers would be consulted to establish the feasibility of adding it to the Kizashi range.
“Customers have been asking about a turbocharged version of the car since the original concept Kizashi was unveiled in Frankfurt more than three years ago,” he said.
“The race-bred Kizashi chassis was always designed to handle more power and we are excited about the potential for a high performance version,” said Devers.
Suzuki engineers developed the production Kizashi on European roads and on the high speed Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
Test drivers say the Kizashi turbo is not overwhelmed by torque-steer which is a problem with some high performance front-wheel-drive cars.
Unveiling of the Suzuki turbo in Australia comes soon after the Kizashi set an official speed record at the 2010 Bonneville Speed Week in the USA.
A team from America Suzuki and Road and Track magazine built the world’s fastest turbocharged Kizashi for the record attempt.
Sam Mitani, who works as a writer for the magazine, drove the Kizashi on the two-way runs for an amazing average of 327.85 km/h (203.72 miles an hour) over the famous Bonneville salt flats in Utah to establish the Blown Gas Coupe category.
The six-speed manual transmission car retained the production 2.4 litre double overhead camshaft engine, heavily modified to produce 383 kW at 7,700 rpm, and a remarkable 698 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.
The Kizashi’s increased power required air-to-water intercooling, using snow water/methanol injection, while its increased output meant the need for a new clutch and pressure plate.
A scattershield was added, the oil pan welded for a new drain fitting and a new exhaust was fabricated for fitment of the Turbonetics turbocharger which gave 16 pounds of boost.
Window straps and bonnet pins ensured the bonnet and glass stayed in place, and the Suzuki was so fast it needed a parachute to help stem the speed after setting the record.
Three versions of the production Kizashi are available in New Zealand, with prices starting from a highly competitive $35,990. The Kizashi range includes an all wheel drive Sport model with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
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