NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts are no kissin' cousins

One hybrid, one homage: Two Kizashi concepts worm their way into the big apple
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Suzuki has pulled the covers off two new show cars games based on the Kizashi mid-size sedan -- and conceptually they couldn't be further apart.

For a start, there's the Kizashi EcoCharge, a hybrid powered by a 2.0-litre petrol four and a 15kW electric motor, with the electric power drawn from a lithium-ion battery. Peak output (106kW and 173Nm) is channeled from the petrol engine to the drive wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki claims that the Kizashi EcoCharge uses 25 per cent less fuel than a conventional Kizashi.

"The basis for the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy without the traditional sacrifices in drivability," said Steve Youman, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation.

"While delivering a substantial fuel-economy gain, the electric charge to the powertrain system has still retained the dynamic handling advantages that make the Kizashi a standout category performer."

Suzuki has unloaded all the fuel-saving features normally associated with hybrids into the Kizashi EcoCharge. These include regenerative braking, auto-stop/start and low-rolling resistance tyres. Outwardly the hybrid model can be distinguished by revised headlights, LED fog lights, a new design of alloy wheel and a luminescent white satin paint with blue undertones.

The Mr Hyde to the hybrid car's Doctor Jekyll is the Kizashi Apex, which has been built as a tribute to Suzuki's history of motorcycle racing. A turbocharged and intercooled 2.4-litre four-cylinder drives through a six-speed manual transmission and delivers up to 220kW of power when the turbo is boosting at 8.5 PSI.

"Our turbo-equipped concept leverages the exceptional Kizashi platform and infuses it with a substantial boost. The Kizashi Apex Concept will further elevate our flagship sedan amongst enthusiasts who crave added power and performance," Younan was quoted as saying.

The concept sits on 245/35 Yokohama S.Drive tyres wrapped around 19-inch alloys finished in a 'burnt asphalt' look. Livery recounts the looks of the Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle outside and the interior features black leather with 'laser blue' alcantara accents for the seats and steering wheel.

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