A huge part of Suzuki’s efforts for the future is centered on the environment. Given the economic circumstances facing the customers, the company believes that offering eco-friendly cars at the most affordable prices possible is vital for reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption; so as well as developing fuel cells and other next-generation power units, Suzuki is focusing on ways to maximize the environmental benefits of fully proven technologies. In the effort to deliver economical eco-friendliness, it is fully exploiting the know-how it has gained in more than 50 years of compact-car production and applying a proven Suzuki development approach that brings computer power and human talent together in an exhaustive process of testing and refinement. In that it embodies its desire to offer the customers a “wow” feeling and meet their needs, Suzuki’s effort to deliver economical eco-friendliness is a clear reflection of its “Way of Life!” brand philosophy.

The culmination of Suzuki’s recent environmental efforts is the Alto—a cheerful, clean-running city car to be launched this spring in Western Europe and later in Hungary and the surrounding countries. Suzuki has based the Alto on a core concept of eco-friendliness since the beginning of its development. To make it eco-friendly without detracting from its styling, the company began optimizing its aerodynamic performance in wind-tunnel tests at the initial clay-modelling stage. And through extensive laboratory, on-road testing and refinement, Suzuki achieved CO2 emissions of just 103g/km and fuel consumption of just 4.4L/100km (NEDC) without compromising the sporty feel that’s a hallmark of the Suzuki DNA.

Notably, the Alto offers eco-friendliness for an attractive price. Suzuki made a conscious decision not to incorporate costly technologies such as a hybrid powertrain, so the Alto’s affordability is a reflection of its compact-car expertise and of the extensive testing and refinement that the company conducted during the development programme. Never before have Suzuki offered such an affordable car with a comparable combination low emissions, high fuel economy, and great design and performance.

The Splash, which was launched last spring, also reflects a focus on economical eco-friendliness. Thanks to a development approach similar to the one yielded to the Alto, it offers low CO2 emissions (119g/km with a 1.0-litre petrol engine; 120g/km with a 1.3DDiS diesel engine) and fuel consumption as low as 4.5L/100km. The result is a mini multipurpose vehicle with green performance that accommodates long-distance family trips.

With an eye to achieving even greater eco-friendliness, Suzuki is pursuing new environmental initiatives that include development of engine auto stop/start systems and application of intake-and-exhaust variable valve timing mechanism to small vehicles. Through these initiatives, the company aim to reduce CO2 emissions to just 109g/km with the 1.0-litre Splash and 95g/km with the Alto. As with the environmental efforts thus far, Suzuki’s goal is to realize superior eco-friendliness with a minimum of additional equipment and a concomitantly minimal increase in cost.

Meanwhile, Suzuki is working hard to offer alternative-fuel vehicles that match customers’ needs and the infrastructure in regions where such customers live. In Europe, the company is already offering vehicles that can use bioethanol (E10) and vehicles that can use biodiesel (B7). In India, Suzuki is working to offer vehicles that run on compressed natural gas. And in Brazil, the company is working to offer flexible-fuel vehicles.

Assertive, but not aggressive, the ix-onic (pronounced “ik-sonnik”) combines dynamic, sculpted, performance-oriented styling with an environmentally-friendly power train and thoughtful everyday utility, to create a vehicle that will change the way consumers and especially younger car buyers think about compact crossover vehicles.

Hyundai’s design team in Rüsselsheim, Germany views ix-onic as an ‘urban nomad, a car of contrasts for a world of contrasts’. Created in Europe, with European consumers in mind, the new concept is inspired by multi-cultural personalities of cities like Berlin, Paris and London. The ix-onic is tough and compact for life in the city, but sleek and agile for out-of-town travel.

The ix-onic’s specially developed, high-contrast exterior paint emphasises its dynamic and flowing lines. Employing an advanced-effect pigment, the innovative paint gives the car’s skin a brilliant shine

With an overall length of 4,400mm, the 1,850mm-wide and 1,650mm-high ix-onic has a great stance and road presence. The design team fused a light, elegant and sporty upper body, with belt lines flowing off both the front and rear wheel arches, to a tough, planted lower body so that the concept is assertive in the way it sits on the road.

Key attributes of Hyundai’s ‘dynamic sculpture’ design philosophy are the athleticism and sophistication that ix-onic demonstrates through its dynamic and flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic graphic elements such as the hexagonal front grille, the dramatically swept back headlamps, the split belt-line and the third side window kick-up.

LED Daytime Running Lights boost brand identity

The hexagonal grille is a further evolution of the style introduced on the 2006 Genus concept car and developed for its appearance on the i-mode concept in 2008. The headlamps feature innovative LED daytime running lights (DRL) which are becoming an increasingly important element of brand identity.

For the innovative ix-onic, part of the DRL moves down whenever ‘dipped beam’ is switched on, and DRL are also fitted to the door mirror housings. The profile of ix-onic features a dynamic greenhouse and a sports car-like theme with a muscular, double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the 21-inch polished alloy wheels. Unusually, the concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile which extends rearwards and wraps around into the rear bumper.

The sills and bumper are finished in a contrasting colour, with an aluminium garnish that echoes the aluminium trim in the door handles to enhance the perception of premium quality. With high-mounted tail lamps, multi-surfaced glass and a sculpted bumper, the rear of ix-onic also incorporates ‘dynamic design’ elements. The rear lamp clusters feature a grille mesh inspired by the nature, while the rear bumper also neatly incorporates the dual, polished aluminium exhaust tailpipes.

The rear window has been designed and produced by Hyundai in close cooperation with the QarmaQ-partner SABIC Innovative Plastics. Using Lexan high-performance plastics instead of conventional glass enabled the designers to give the rear window a much more three-dimensional shape.

On each side of the rear window, two vertical spoilers are integrated to reduce aerodynamic drag. The upper part of the window features a strongly concave shape to make it possible to integrate the roof spoiler in the rear window. Additionally, “Exatec- glazing” was used to incorporate the third stoplight in the upper part of the rear window. Furthermore, a three-dimensional U-shape surrounds the rear wiper to enhance its visual integration into the backlight.

Light and fresh interior seats five in luxurious comfort

Inside, the five-seater ix-onic offers a commanding view of the road and evokes an adventurous ambience that is also laid-back and relaxing. The needs of the driver are fully accommodated, with the interior blending aspects of the outdoors, leisure time and an urban lifestyle.

The first impression of a sporty, light and fresh interior is reinforced on closer inspection by the silky cream-white leather that brings an air of elegance and distinction to the cabin.

An X-shaped visual theme is repeated across numerous areas of the cabin, with embossed leather to accentuate key areas while light-alloy magnesium accents provide flashes of visual brilliance. The sleek shapes of the interior are outlined with ‘ice blue’ seams that replicate the colour of both the ribbed ice blue floor carpet, which contains a high percentage of natural cashmere wool, and the exterior.

Shapely seats feature centre panels trimmed in breathable fabric with attractive and functional cushion side bolsters, plus additional lateral support for occupants’ shoulders – all trimmed in contrasting magnesium grey.

Mounted much higher than usual in the doors, the audio speakers present occupants with a true and highly detailed, top-quality sound reproduction. The interior rear-view mirror has a ‘blind spot’ warning light that alerts the driver to other road users in close proximity.

1.6-litre GDi turbocharged

Beneath its sensational exterior, the ix-onic’s power train is equipped with a 170 PS, 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, with ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology and a double-clutch six-speed transmission. Power is transferred to the road by an intelligent four-wheel-drive system fine-tuned to deliver outstanding on-road driving dynamics, together with significant off-road ability. The next-generation, eco-friendly engine emits just 149 g/km of CO2, an impressive figure for an SUV.

650 hp / 478 kW Twin-Turbo Power for the Mercedes AMG ML 63

The new BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo, based on the Mercedes AMG ML 63, celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2009. It sets new standards for SUV performance and styling. The new BRABUS B63 Biturbo 6.3-liter V8 engine produces 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW and propels the 4×4 to a top speed of 310 km/h (194 mph). In addition to a superior engine the new BRABUS ML 63 sets itself apart from the rest with the sporty yet elegant WIDESTAR package, forged 23-inch wheels and an exclusive interior trimmed out with leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber. The BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo starts at 190,602 Euros MSRP.

The BRABUS engineers spent some two years on the development and testing of the fast-revving engine with twin turbochargers. The newly developed turbocharger system of the eight-cylinder engine represents high-tech par excellence. Custom exhaust manifolds were developed for both cylinder banks. These OEM-quality-cast manifolds feature integrated turbine housings and bypass valves. For maximum response at low engine speeds the chargers are comparatively small. To avoid negative effects on the system from excessive exhaust-gas pressures the manifolds are designed to utilize the exhaust from only three of the four cylinders on each side of the engine V for driving the turbochargers.

Even the choice of turbochargers was unconventional: Normally two right-turning turbochargers are used in twin-turbo V-engines. Because the inlet port of right-turning turbocharger is located on the right side, engineers would have to compromise on the optimal exhaust-gas routing on the right side of the engine. To avoid any compromises the BRABUS developers equip the B63 Biturbo system with left-turning turbocharger on the right side. This turbocharger was custom-developed for this engine and ensures optimal gas flow and perfect exhaust dynamics.

The twin-turbo system further includes a large intercooler, a dual-flow intake manifold with cast-in BRABUS Biturbo logo, and high-performance free-flow metal catalysts for efficient exhaust-gas purification.

Forged BRABUS pistons provide a charger-friendly compression ratio of 9.0:1. The engine is controlled by custom-tailored engine electronics with precision-matched mapping for ignition, injection and the electronic BRABUS boost-pressure control. That guarantees not just optimal power yield but also exemplary low emissions in accordance with the EURO IV norm. Like all BRABUS engines the B63 Biturbo is lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil.

The high-end B63 Biturbo engine costs 69,800 Euros and offers power on a level previously unknown in the SUV world. With a rated power output of 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW at just 6,200 rpm the BRABUS engine surpasses its production counterpart by 140 hp (138 bhp) / 103 kW. Peak torque of the ML 63 Biturbo is 850 Nm (626 lb-ft), up from standard 630 Nm (464 lb-ft). It is available on a wide plateau between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm.

Just as unique in this vehicle category is the performance this engine delivers in concert with a modified seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened by 0.8 seconds to 4.2 seconds. Top speed increases from 250 to 310 km/h (155 to 194 mph).

That type of performance potential places especially high demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes. The BRABUS WIDESTAR version with its elegantly shaped fender flares on front and rear axle is five centimeters (two inches) wider than the production car.

The front spoiler bumper with its three strikingly styled air inlets, four auxiliary headlights and daytime running lights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion further includes door trim components and rocker panels that create a perfect transition between front and rear fender flares. The rear apron features an integrated diffuser and cutouts for the chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system. In combination with the rear spoiler it creates an optimal aerodynamic balance.

The wider stance not only benefits the appearance of the M-Class, it also improves handling. Three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION wheels are specially designed for the WIDESTAR model. They come in size 11Jx23 and feature forged wells, creating an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum mechanical strength. The new nine-spoke wheels are fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23 front and back.

The BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) which also benefits sporty on-road handling.

To further optimize active safety the BRABUS ML 63 is equipped with a high-performance brake system. 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers grip front discs measuring 380 x 36 mm (15.0 x 1.4 inches). The rear axle features six-piston fixed calipers and 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs. Together these components provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.

The most powerful M-Class ever also features numerous exclusive interior highlights. Stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel are part of the package as is an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior made from a perfectly finished combination of the finest Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

Sporty BRABUS ‘Checkered Flag’ carbon-fiber components for the interior are another BRABUS innovation. They have a carbon-fiber surface structure made to look like a checkered flag used as the finish flag in motorsports. The front seats can be fitted with custom rear consoles that encompass the headrests. They each house a seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player. These consoles are also available in a version that features a power-folding precious-wood table.