VX2

BRITISH-DESIGNED ISUZU CONCEPT CAR DEFINES NEW 4X4 SECTOR

A stunning 4x4 concept car - which combines the technical look of a motorcycle with the hard-edged aggression of Japanese body armour. Despite its Oriental overtones, the Isuzu VX2 sports coupe project was led by Englishman, Simon Cox who was also responsible for the earlier Vehi-CROSS - equally radical and now on sale in Japan.

The thought-provoking exhibit will join many other show cars in a special exhibition hall dedicated to: 'Concept Cars Of The 21st Century.' It was first seen at last year's 32nd Tokyo Motor Show.

Isuzu's VX2 appears capable of winning the Paris to Dakar Rally, with similar air intakes and outlets to the off-road competition cars and a rugged, go-anywhere stance.

Its styling is dominated by large 18ins diameter wheels with 255/60 tyres inspired by training shoes, especially short overhangs, high ground clearance and compact body proportions with a much lower roof height than conventional 4x4s.

Large, vertical headlamps sweep up into the front wings which form a muscular definition to the front of the car.

The windscreen is steeply angled and meets a T-bar targa roof arrangement with a triangular spine which also acts as an air vent for the interior. Elsewhere, hard angles are contrasted with soft curves.

ALSO PICTURED AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE

Billed as an urban off-roader, this Toyota RAV-4-sized mini-ute was penned by Isuzu's European design team. It is designed to carry up to 7 passengers, which should b e an easy task for the Deseo's direct-injection gasoline-powered 3.2-liter DOHC V-6, which is claimed to provide the dual benefits of increased power under full-throttle operation and improved fuel economy at idle and low-load running. Torque is distribut ed by a new Torque On Demand electronically controlled transfer case. And finally, to minimize weight, the Deseo is built on an all-aluminum frame, and it employs an aluminum bellypan to reduce underbody aerodynamic drag.

This Judge Dredd wannabe is the Isuzu Kai concept. In the past, many Japanese motor manufacturers have been criticised for apeing their European counterparts, so it would seem that Isuzu have taken note of this and come up with the Kai; a concept that is purely Japanese.

This unique 4 wheel drive offroader takes many styling cues from Japanese culture; the radiator grill design alludes to a Shinto temple gateway, the seat patterns are inspired by Samurai armour. Other such references include small square windows in the sun roof reminiscent of the Shoji screens found in Japanes houses and natural grain leather as a nod to the Japanese respect for natural materials and harmony with the environment.

Isuzu describes its Kai concept vehicle as an RV-though not a recreational vehicle as the common Japanese parlance has it, but rather a "revolutionary vehicle." The Japanese word kai means "return to the beginning," or "progress through repeated efforts," according to Isuzu.

The latter may apply to the vehicle's flamboyant and wild styling, which has a large bit of Simon Cox (now a senior design executive with GM) about it. The 4-m (13-ft) long vehicle has minimal overhangs and a long 2700-mm (106-in) wheelbase. It is powered by Isuzu's new Dd series dual-overhead-camshaft, 24-valve, common-rail direct-injection V6 diesel, which in its production form will be offered in 2.5- and 3.0-L displacements.

The lightweight and compact V6 readily fits transversely in the engine bay of a mid-to-large passenger car, according to Isuzu. In the Kai, all wheels are driven by an electronically controlled torque split/transfer system by Borg Warner. The chassis features all independent suspension.

ISUZU ZACCAR DEBUTS: NEW GENRE SUV FEATURES CLEAN-BURNING, HIGH PERFORMANCE DIESEL

Building upon its established diesel engineering leadership, Isuzu introduces its newest advanced concept SUV, Zaccar. Zaccar's name is derived from the words, "zip, "active," and "creative." Zaccar is equipped with a clean burning, lightweight, four-cylinder, 3.0-liter DOHC, turbo-charged, direct-injection diesel. To further reduce emissions, the engine is equipped with an innovative Isuzu designed ceramic diesel particulate filter that virtually eliminates particulate emissions. It also features distinctive styling with a multi-function open rear deck, an innovative rear third door on the passenger side and a unique swing-action rear carrier arrangement.

Zaccar's rear deck incorporates a removable cover and open tailgate area allowing different configurations to accommodate stowage for a variety of loads. The swing-action rear carrier swings down to the rear for fitting such items as mountain bikes, skis, kayaks, surfboards and other large recreational sports gear, it can then easily be swung back up to the roof, allowing access to the rear storage compartment.

A third door on the passenger side swings from hinges mounted toward the rear of the vehicle, opening up the entire passenger side and allowing very easy access to the spacious rear seating area. Inside, with generous headroom and a large glass area, the Zaccar generates a feeling of openness. In addition, the Zaccar features four airbags, two for front and two for side impact.

Zaccar is built on an Amigo chassis and features a four-speed automatic, the most advanced 4-wheel drive system available, TORQUE-ON-DEMAND®, a double wishbone and torsion bar independent front suspension, five-link coil in the rear, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, 245/65R17 tires and electronic GP navigation system.

Zaccar represents Isuzu's vision of the continuing evolution of the sports-utility vehicle, an efficient package design offering excellent utility combined with superb off-highway capability.

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