Suzuki Equator Concept

From left to right: RMZ-4, Quay Concept, Quad Concept

Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., and based on the Nissan Frontier, the 2009 Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations.

To introduce the model, Suzuki has unveiled three different concepts based on the Equator: the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports lovers.

Compared to the Nissan counterpart, the contemporary exterior design features a number of unique elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate.

Inside, both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles feature flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity.

Suzuki Equator Quay Concept

The 2009 Equator is powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC four cylinder with 152 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine (261 hp / 281 lb.-ft.).

The units are coupled with either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission (I4), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case.

Off-road traction system includes four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.

The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Equator RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concept Vehicles

Suzuki Equator RMZ-4 Concept	Suzuki Equator Quad Concept

The RMZ-4 concept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. The concept was built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., and features a number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender provided by Amp Research, an eye-catching graphic treatment, 18-inch black chrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights.

The truck’s striking exterior is matched by an equally stunning sound system that includes an Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

The Quay concept is built to suit recreational boating and watersports lifestyles, with a customized paint job that reflects the look of Suzuki’s line of marine engines.

With an Extended Cab, long bed and hefty towing capabilities, the truck also is equipped with a Visteon nav-control head unit that provides satellite radio, MP3 and navigation capabilities, in addition to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

The Quay also sports special 20-inch wheels and a matching locking hard tonneau cover.

Built to resemble the Suzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoor lifestyle, the Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-based Andry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab and military “look and feel.”

In addition to a custom paint job and a two-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has been modified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style front bumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards.

To enhance the vehicle’s overall appearance and performance, the Quad is equipped with Yokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheels and features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

(Source: Suzuki)