Suzuki pulled the cover off its first midsize SUV concept, as the Japanese manufacturer explorers the potential for a lifestyle vehicle. Designers were tasked to reinvent the SUV from the ground up. In the process they found their potential customers were most interested in: versatility; functionality; safety; "infotainment," a seamless blend of navigation, music, news and information; and performance. The resulting vehicle shown in Detroit is derivative of the vehicle is slated for production in 2006. Concept-X features an all-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a freshly developed 4WD system called "4GO." The sport/ute realizes its customer targets with such things as satellite television and DVD/DVR player with dual 12-inch LCD screens are in the second and thirds rows; integrated Bluetooth technology for cellular phones, PDAs, e-mail and navigation; and ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and curtain airbags for all six passengers. The coolest electronic feature is dual, heat-sensing perimeter CCD cameras with a warning detector prevents driving over objects within the vehicle's proximity. Expect to see much of the Concept-X enter production in two years on an all-new model, and other aspect propagate throughout the line.
