Suzuki's SXForce LIVE concept, set to debut at this year's SEMA show, seeks to reemphasize the long-lost connection between the company's sportbikes and its cars. The SXForce -- which has Hayabusa handlebars instead of a steering wheel -- is based on the 2008 SX4 Sport and will be joined by the SX4 WRC car, a customized SX4 5-door and the Dune Grand Vitara concept from the 2005 SEMA show.
The Road Race Motorsports-designed SXForce features a 2.0-liter, 250-horsepower turbo mated to a five-speed manual -- that's a 107-horsepower boost over the base SX4. Other upgrades over the base SX4 include a Tein coilover suspension setup and reinforced vehicle structure, F1-style outlet gills, a carbon fiber diffuser and a Carbontrix rear wing. The 18-inch Enkei wheels with a staggered Toyo T1-R setup (225/45-18 front, 235/40-18 rear) are complemented by Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piston 355mm rotors.
Inside, the blend of sportbike with car continues with a motorcycle instrument cluster and controls and the Hayabusa handlebars, which have a display for all vital engine parameters. With its priorities clearly in place, Suzuki removed the rear seats of the SEMA concept and replaced them with a Rockford-Fosgate sound system.
Suzuki's SX4 WRC will also sit proudly at SEMA, helping to show off the brand's sporting credentials. The SX4 WRC gets 320-horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbo engine as well as full-time 4WD and a five-speed sequential gearbox. Rally credentials are rounded out with Reiger shocks, front and rear MacPherson struts with coil springs along with electronically controlled center differential and mechanical front and rear differentials.
Reappearing from the 2005 SEMA show is the Dune Grand Vitara, a bright-yellow concept that turns up the macho appeal on the SUV with giant tires, 26-inches of ground clearance, fender flares and a relatively modest 3,000-pound towing capacity.
What Suzuki's SEMA showings lack in quantity is more than made up with creativity. Maybe the next generation SX4 will be available with Hayabusa handlebars instead of a steering wheel? At SEMA, anything is possible.