Suzuki has dropped a few teasers of a new concept vehicle headed to this year’s Delhi Auto Expo, and the sneaky shots may hint at a successor to the well-worn Jimny/Samurai throne. Right now, the automaker doesn’t have a known replacement lined up for the pint-sized SUV.

The Samurai may have exited North America long ago, but its direct descendant, the Jimny, is still very much alive elsewhere. In fact, it has cultivated a decades-old reputation for being a tough-as-nails bruiser that’s as reliable as it is capable. We think Suzuki would do well to keep the model in its portfolio in the future, and now, new reports suggest the company could lift parts from the Swift drivetrain to build a low-cost Jimny successor.

Even so, assuming the teasers indicate a concept vehicle, it would likely be some time before we saw a production model frolicking about in the light of day. Early estimates would put a next-generation Samurai on stage at the Delhi Auto Expo in two years or so. Does that mean the U.S. will see the Samurai name return to its soil? With Suzuki’s floundering presence here in the states, that seems unlikely, but we would welcome a capable, low-dollar off roader to our shores any day. Head over to the Maruti Suzuki page for a closer look.

Suzuki readying next-gen Jimny/Samurai? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar says it will have an all-wheel-drive version of its flagship XJ sedan ready in less than two years, which should coincide with the launch of the car’s mid-cycle refresh. Jag hopes the move will increase its sales in the northern United States, where it has traditionally held the strongest foothold in the U.S. market. According to Jaguar, the all-wheel-drive model will be crucial to maintaining that foothold, as nearly 70 percent of sedans sold in the Rust Belt send power to all four wheels.

Though the all-wheel-drive XJ is the most important prospect for the American market, Jaguar is planning a raft of new and redesigned models to reinvigorate its sales around the world. The company’s plan to release a small luxury sedan below the XF is still in place, with pricing to start around £28,000.

Before the small luxury sedan drops, Jaguar is planning to release a four-cylinder diesel version of the XF to try and steal some of BMW‘s diesel 5 Series sales. For a little perspective, diesel four-cylinder models account for 60 percent of 5 Series sales in Europe.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Jaguar readying all-wheel-drive XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the Geneva Motor Show coming up in a matter of weeks, a whole mess of new debuts and concept cars are rolling in. The latest comes courtesy of Suzuki and its European operations.

Called the Swift S-Concept, the show car looks like it could be a pretty mean interpretation of the latest Swift hatchback in a higher-performance guise with a healthy dose of rally-inspired action. The Japanese automaker has released very little in the way of details, essentially announcing the debut accompanied by the preview rendering you see above.

We’ll have to wait as the expo approaches for more, but for now you can check out the press release after the jump and click on the image above to view in high-resolution.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki readying Swift S-Concept for Geneva

Suzuki readying Swift S-Concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The internet is afire with word that BMW is planning to bring a small convertible concept to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month. According to The Age, the car may be our first look at what the company has planned for a sub-Z4 model designed to spar with the Mazda MX-5 and the host of shared-platform convertibles that the Volkswagen army is rumored to be slaving over. A representative from BMW supposedly confirmed that a baby drop top will be the company’s star attraction in Geneva this year.

BMW, meanwhile, says that the concept car itself will not go into production, but that some elements of the design may show up in future products down the line. The Age is reporting that the concept will make use of some fairly outrageous design cues, including the retractable doors of the ever-awesome Z1.

Murkier still is what kind of drivetrain will find its way under the concept’s hood. This could be a good excuse for BMW to start strutting its new front-wheel-drive bent or even to play around with a compact hybrid set up. Either way, we’ll find out in a few short weeks. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: The Age]

Report: BMW readying sub-Z4 Miata fighter for Geneva reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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