Press Releases

Suzuki Powertrains: capable, Durable, Efficient

While Suzuki is well known for its capable, reliable powertrains, the company continues to focus on improving performance, durability and fuel efficiency in all of its vehicles. Key examples of this for the 2009 model year are as follows:

2009 Grand Vitara

For 2009, the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a choice between two new engines: a standard 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine and an available 3.2-liter DOHC V6. The Grand Vitara’s 2.4 liter engine is an all-new design, developed and manufactured by Suzuki, while the 3.2-liter V6 is based on the same proven architecture as the XL7’s 3.6-liter V6. The Grand Vitara’s new four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new four-speed automatic, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic.

Grand Vitara 2.4-liter Inline Four

MY09 marks the first time that the current-generation Grand Vitara, introduced for the 2006 model year, will offer a four-cylinder engine. The Grand Vitara’s all-new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 RPM for excellent response in all types of driving and returns up to 26 highway mpg. The engine features an aluminum alloy block, cylinder head, oil pan and timing chain cover. The forged carbon steel crankshaft turns in micro groove-type bearings that provide minimal clearance, helping reduce noise and vibration. To further reduce friction, the aluminum-alloy pistons are coated in a dry polymer film. A pair of balancer shafts driven by the oil pump sprocket further suppresses vibration.

The four-valve-per-cylinder design uses a direct-drive-type valvetrain (no rocker arms), which increases rigidity and reduces parasitic losses. A variable valve timing system optimizes performance and efficiency across the engine speed range. The camshafts, driven by a silent-type timing chain for durability and lower maintenance costs, are hollow to reduce weight and serve as an oil passage for better lubrication.

The resin intake manifold adjusts the length of the intake tract in two stages, based on RPM and throttle angle, to provide strong torque across the engine speed range, while an electronic throttle control ensures precise air/fuel ratio control. Tumble control valves enhance combustion when the engine is cold, helping to warm the catalytic converters quickly to reduce start-up emissions. The stainless steel exhaust manifold also contributes to faster heating of three-way catalyst, while a large-capacity, low-restriction muffler optimizes performance.

Grand Vitara 3.2-liter V6

Offering superior power (+45 horsepower) and improved fuel economy (+2 mpg highway in 2WD, up to 24 mpg) vs. the outgoing V6, the 2009 Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury grades offer an all-new 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 that produces 230 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 213 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. The new V6 produces 20% less emissions than the V6 engine it replaces. It is based on the XL7’s 3.6-liter V6, built by Suzuki in Japan. Both V6 engines use the same stroke dimension of 3.37 inches; the 3.2 uses a 3.5-inch bore, the 3.6 a larger 3.7-inch bore.

The 3.2-liter V6 is built for demanding performance and durability. The sand-mold-cast A319 aluminum alloy cylinder block features strong cast-in iron bore liners and six-bolt main caps. With a 10.2:1 compression ratio, the engine achieves excellent specific output, generating more than one horsepower per cubic inch on regular-grade fuel.

The crankshaft is forged from 1038V steel and is inherently stiffer than a cast-iron crankshaft, which in turn reduces vibration. The connecting rods are manufactured of sinter-forged steel, one of the most advanced metallurgical techniques used in automotive engine applications, contributing to superior performance and durability. The density of the sinter-forged connecting rod results in less noise generated and less vibration transferred between the pistons and the crankshaft.

Variable timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, and roller rocker arms reduce friction. A primary crank-driven chain drives separate timing chains for each cylinder bank. Additionally, the V6 cam covers are made of thermoset glass-filled polyester composite, a material that weighs less than the cast aluminum used on many premium engines and more effectively dampens noise.

The aluminum-alloy oil pan features an oil scraper that ensures maximum lubrication in the most demanding operating conditions. Three jet assemblies in the block each hold a pair of oil-squirting jets that drench the underside of each piston and the surrounding cylinder wall with an extra layer of cooling, friction-reducing oil. In addition, the extra layer of oil on the cylinder walls and piston wristpin further dampens noise emanating from the pistons.

Suzuki XL7 3.6-liter V6

The Suzuki XL7’s 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 uses the same basic architecture as the Grand Vitara’s 3.2-liter V6, including its advanced casting techniques. The XL7’s engine delivers 252 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque for outstanding everyday performance. The engine is mounted in a double-isolated engine cradle system: the engine mounts to the cradle at four points, and the cradle mounts to the rails at four points, providing double isolation from the body. The cradle system features two side load-bearing mounts and front and rear torque reaction mounts. There also is a friction snubber mounted on the passenger side of the engine to help control engine movement sometimes experienced during shifting.

The XL7’s stainless steel, true dual exhaust system projects a sporty tone. For 2009, pairing this engine with a new six-speed automatic transmission has resulted in an improved EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating, now 24 mpg/highway (front-wheel drive) – a 10 percent improvement over the 2008 model.

SX4 2.0-liter DOHC Inline Four

The four-door SX4 Sport and five-door SX4 Crossover are powered by a sophisticated Suzuki-developed 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine, which produces 143 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 136 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,500 RPM. Not only are the horsepower and torque figures higher than those of many other compact cars, but the peaks occur at lower engine speeds, making the SX4 highly responsive in everyday driving. In contrast, some small cars’ engines need to be revved higher to produce their best usable power.

The SX4’s engine is built with a full roster of high-performance elements: aluminum cylinder block, cylinder head, oil pan and timing chain cover; a forged carbon steel crankshaft; double overhead camshafts; aluminum pistons; drop-forged connecting rods; a resin intake manifold; and a variable induction system. The engine runs on regular grade fuel, even with its 10.5:1 compression ratio. Additionally, the camshafts are chain-driven to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.

Customers can choose between a standard five-speed manual transmission and an available, specially tuned, four-speed automatic transmission and Suzuki’s three-mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD™) is available in the SX4 Crossover. Fuel economy estimates range from a notable 21/28 for the AWD SX4 Crossover up to 23/31 mpg city/highway with the automatic SX4 Sedan LE.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.,-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states.  With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2007, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs.  Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions.  For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com.

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Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, jeff.holland@suz.com

David Boldt, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext. 2464, david.boldt@suz.com