The New Suzuki GSX-R/4 Concept Car:
Revolutionary Ultra-light Sports Car Fuses Automobile
and Motorcycle Design with Advanced Technology
-Eric Bewley
BREA, CA. The new GSX-R/4 is a Suzuki concept car designed to unite driver to machine in a way no other conventional sports car has done before. It offers nimble and direct drivability utilizing Suzuki’s motorcycle expertise in producing high-performance small engines and Suzuki’s weight-saving technologies developed as a manufacturer of compact automotive vehicles.
The 1.3-liter engine of the GSX1300R Hayabusa motorcycle – mounted in the mid-rear of the sports car – revs quickly up to its 11,000 rpm redline. On tap is 173 horsepower at 9,800 rpm, generated with the help of double overhead cams, 16 valves, an 11:1 compression ratio, liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection. The power from the GSX-R/4 engine is directed through a smooth, hand-shifted six-speed sequential transmission, and the transfer unit, linked to the output shaft of the transmission, lets the driver shift into reverse.
Introduced in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa shattered superbike performance records and established itself as the fastest mass-produced street machine in history. Top magazines radar-gunned the Hayabusa at 194 mph, and clocked it in the nine-second range through the quarter-mile. The Suzuki’s raw power and slick, wind-tunnel-crafted bodywork placed it on top of the motorcycle performance mountain and generated a cult following in the two-wheeled world.
With an estimated maximum speed of 140 mph, the GSX-R/4 sports car includes distinctive exterior design with an aluminum frame, exposed spring and damper units, easy-to-tune and height-adjustable suspension and detachable, lightweight, recycled-plastic body panels for easy customizing. For the interior, designers chose light and supportive bucket seats for agility and comfort, as well as storage space behind the seats for helmets. As an added perk, the vehicle has a Wrist Mount System – sponsored by Seiko Instruments, Inc. – that serves as a door-lock release, driver identification, wireless communication tool and hands-free mobile phone.
Along with other high-performance equipment, the GSX-R/4 has Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) technologies to enhance driver safety. Suzuki utilizes ASV technologies to match engine settings to the handling characteristics and behavior of each individual, analyzing data compiled from actual driving. Via a large, 10.4-inch monitor, individuals can view a pre-set program describing how to handle current operating conditions. Afterwards, the driver can review the data on the monitor and save it to a personal computer to further examine the information.
Ultimately, the multi-featured GSX-R/4 concept car allows drivers to visualize Suzuki’s combined efforts using its automotive and motorcycle technologies to create a one-of-a-kind high-performance vehicle.
GSX-R/4 Specifics Transmission 6 speed sequential Dimensions Overall length 139.8 in. Overall width 68.1 in. Overall height 39.8 in. Wheelbase 96.5 in. Tread (F/R) 60.6 / 61.0 in. Ground clearance 3.9 in. Weight Curb weight 1,411 lbs. Chassis Brake (F) Ventilated disk Brake ( R) Disk Front suspension Double wishbone Rear suspension Double wishbone Tire size (F) 185/45R20 Tire size ( R) 195/45R20 Rim (F) 6.5JJ Rim (R) 6.5JJ Engine Piston displacement 1,299cc Valve arrangement DOHC-16 valve TSCC Bore x Stroke 3.19 in. x 2.48 in. Compression ratio 11.0 : 1 Max. Power 173 HP / 9,800 rpm Max. Torque 102 lb. ft. / 7,000 rpm Acceleration figure (0-60m/h) 6.3 seconds Maximum speed 140 mph Capacity Occupant 1 Fuel tank capacity 6.6 gal.
