Suzuki Flix, BaseCamp Are Versatile at Detroit Auto Show

The Flix is a concept built on Suzuki’s all new XL7 SUV/crossover. The concept is, basically, “mobile entertainment”. The SUV is equipped with a moonroof that rises to form a 40-inch flatscreen. A digital projector can show movies on the screen or any nearby flat surface (e.g., side of a building, truck, etc.).

The BaseCamp is themed for the outdoors enthusiasts. The sidedoors lift skyward to form makeshifts roofs while the specialized roofrack can hold plenty of bikes and outdoor equipment.

More details can be found in the press release below, including details of the 2007 XL7, SX4, and Grand Vitara. Our take? Interesting, but enough to warrant being called a concept? Suzuki should simply consider marketing such features as accessories.

Press release via Suzuki

DETROIT – (Jan. 7, 2007) – Fresh off a record-setting 2006, when American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) enjoyed automobile sales in excess of 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 21-year history, Suzuki emerges at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) as one of the automotive industry’s rising stars.  Walking the red carpet at this year’s show are two exceptional activity-oriented concepts, including the never-before-seen, silver-screen-inspired XL7 concept, Flix.  ASMC also showcases its full-line of versatile cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and the bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover). 
 
To further support the launch of Suzuki’s two new vehicles, ASMC developed a line of 2007 XL7- and SX4-based “Suzuki LIVE Series” concept vehicles.  At NAIAS, Suzuki unveils its Flix, a movie-theater-themed XL7 concept, and showcases BaseCamp, an XL7 concept built for outdoor enthusiasts. 

“We attribute much of our success in 2006 to ASMC’s solid and versatile line of award-winning vehicles coupled with our renewed commitment to boost awareness of the Suzuki brand and all that it offers to consumers,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC.  “With the all-new XL7 and SX4 now in showrooms and a number of exciting marketing efforts planned for the coming year, including the lifestyle-based ‘Suzuki LIVE Series’ concept vehicles, ASMC is poised for a successful 2007.”

“Suzuki LIVE Series” Vehicles
Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the “Suzuki LIVE Series” (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.  In concert with its “Way of Life” brand proposition, promising products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new “Suzuki LIVE Series” vehicles for 2007.

The vehicles, coined Flix for film and entertainment buffs; BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; are on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.

Flix
Built by Carlab of Orange, Calif., and based on the all-new 2007 XL7, the Flix concept offers film and entertainment enthusiasts the ultimate mobile movie experience.  The Flix’s ultra-rich, super-clean and modern exterior accentuates the redesigned body of the all-new XL7.  The XL7 concept is dressed in midnight black paint with platinum accents and deep crimson “theater red” perimeter LED linear emitters encircling the lower valence of the midsize SUV. 

In addition to its eye-catching exterior appearance, the Flix is outfitted with an unprecedented in-vehicle movie system.  After parking at the optimal film-viewing destination, Flix’s clamshell roof can be opened, revealing a maximum-size moonroof that serves as a 40-inch movie screen.  Additionally, the XL7 concept’s front roof panel vents, giving way to a high-density digital projection system to display a family’s movie of choice.  For those who prefer the traditional drive-in movie experience, Flix’s projection system can be positioned to display movies nearly anywhere – the side of a building, a billboard or almost any wall.  

The interior look of the Flix resembles a contemporary private screening room, dressed in plush materials to evoke elegance and sophistication.  The XL7 concept features four individual bucket seats that pivot 180 degrees to view the elevated giant screen.  The Flix also is equipped with a next-generation, high-definition DVD player with integrated hard drive for maximum AV storage, a professional THX/SDS-theater quality sound system, pivoting quarter window speakers and red door/floor strip lighting to further enhance the in-vehicle movie experience.  

BaseCamp
Built by Carlab of Orange, Calif., and based on the all-new 2007 XL7, the BaseCamp concept offers cutting-edge design and technology to fulfill the needs of outdoor adventure enthusiasts.  The BaseCamp’s exterior is blanketed with liquid metal body paint and finished with titanium cladding around the perimeter, which also is easily converted to a catwalk for unprecedented upper vehicle access and storage.

The concept features a unique gullwing passenger side door that, when opened, reveals a warm, inviting, modern interior and attachable peninsula bar work station with full media connectivity, including Wi-Fi Internet access, Bluetooth integration and iPod¹/MP3 capabilities.  The BaseCamp also features a custom roof rack system with an integrated dual slot bike rack and Santa Cruz mountain bikes, eight high-intensity LED light clusters, including a unique “down” lighting system, an enclosed cargo/luggage area and forward-mounted miniature camera.  After arriving at a campsite, a modern canopy with carbon fiber frame can be attached to the roof rack, keeping adventurers dry in inclement weather or protecting against the sun, and creating a welcoming ambiance for visitors. 

The BaseCamp’s interior reflects a similar high-tech design and feel with mica-hued light-toned seating and titanium accents throughout the inside of the vehicle.  In the rear cargo area, the vehicle features a utility storage pack and access system.  Additionally, the XL7 concept is equipped with in-dash CD/DVD and GPS/Navigation system with real-time traffic. 

2007 Suzuki XL7
The all-new XL7 blends SUV versatility, style and safety, and features available all-wheel drive and seven-passenger, three-row seating to provide adaptability for active, mobile lifestyles.  The 3.6-liter, V6, DOHC engine delivers 252 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque, and is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic controls. 

The XL7 has a long list of standard features, including a five-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shift, extensive safety features, including four airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 2.  Additional standard features include remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, two 12-volt accessory outlets, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver trim, air conditioning with automatic climate control, trip computer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and privacy glass. 

Three trim levels are offered:  XL7, Luxury and Limited.  Offered in five- and seven-passenger configurations and either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, XL7 has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899.  The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599. 

The top-of-the-line XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger seating and adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof racks with aluminum lower bumper valances, premium XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer), auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, remote starter and DVD entertainment system.  The feature-packed XL7 Limited carries an MSRP of $27,949. 
 
There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels:  A seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury); a DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system; and a Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof.

2007 Suzuki SX4
The 2007 Suzuki SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover), recently named "Best Kept Secret of 2007" by Autobytel, is designed for those who live an adventurous life and is sure to be a year-round standout in any driving conditions.  The all-new SX4 (the name stands for (S)port (X)-over for (4) seasons of weather) features a handsome five-door hatchback design, a sophisticated standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent stability and crisp handling characteristics.  Built in Japan, the SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower.  SX4 is also *** with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment.  The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

The SX4’s standard features include six airbags; front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags; four-wheel ABS with EBD, TPMS, seatbelt pretentioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards.  SX4 carries an MSRP of $14,999.

The SX4 comes in two trim levels:  SX4 and SX4 Sport.  SX4 is available with a Convenience Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.  SX4 Sport includes:  TCS and ESP, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), silver-color roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system.  SX4 Sport has an MSRP of $16,399.  All trim levels are available in manual or automatic transmission with standard AWD.

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
First introduced as a 2006 model, the Grand Vitara has garnered much media and consumer praise and has won numerous awards, including a recent “Best Buy” from Consumer Guide®.  The 2007 Grand Vitara features a standard 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine, a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, tough unibody construction enhanced with a built-in ladder frame and an extensive list of interior amenities and standard safety features. 

The list of standard safety features is extensive:  ABS with EBD and ESP, including traction control, six airbags, three-point driver and front-passenger seat belts featuring shoulder height adjustment; in the rear seat, each passenger is provided with a three-point seat belt system and a headrest.  With its carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is functional and attractive. 

The Grand Vitara comes in three trim levels:  Base, XSport and Luxury.  The standard five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $19,379.  The Grand Vitara with Luxury Package and Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system drives tops out at $23,399.