1991 Suzuki Sidekick Jlx on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Suzuki Hayabusa's return is teased in video

Hang on to your kidneys, the planet's fastest production motorcycle is on its way back. Suzuki has released a teaser video for a new Hayabusa on its global and UK social media channels. Only a few glimpses of the superbike can be seen, but it's enough to get our adrenal glands pumping. Debuting in 1999 during Japan's motorcycle speed wars, the Suzuki Hayabusa immediately rocketed to the forefront, nabbing the world record for fastest street bike. Not only has it been clocked at speeds as high as 194 mph, it's held on to that title for for two decades. Notably, the Hayabusa, named after a peregrine falcon known for reaching 200 mph during its hunting dives, did not compromise everyday comfort and handling in pursuit of all-out speed. However, Suzuki had to dump the bike from its U.S. lineup in 2021, and in Europe it's been absent since 2018 due to emissions regulations. It appears, though, that sabbatical was only temporary. The teaser video gives us a couple of peeks at new hardware. Its iconic five-gauge instrument pod is still there, but updated with a TFT screen in center position. The readouts indicate a number of electronic technologies will return, including S-DMS engine power modes, traction control, lift (anti-wheelie) control, and a quickshifter. An inclinometer showing the angle of lean on either side sits in the middle. Flanking the TFT are a tach and speedometer in their traditional positions on the left and right, respectively, with the latter's needle pegged at 180 mph. Fuel levels and engine temperature sit on opposite ends. Accompanying the visuals are a finely tuned roar and plenty of wind noise as the 'Busa flies around a speedway-type banked circuit. The official reveal will take place on February 5 online at 7 a.m. U.K. time — that's 2 a.m. Eastern. You can watch the unveiling on a virtual forum called the Suzuki Motorcycle Global Salon., which requires registration. Unfortunately, there's not word on whether the Hayabusa will come to the U.S.

New investor allows Suzuki to fend off VW

After years of legal wrangling, the long-soured partnership between Volkswagen and Suzuki looks finally to be coming out of arbitration, according to Bloomberg. As a sign of the Japanese brand's improved fortunes, hedge fund Third Point LLC recently bought an undisclosed stake in the company. The investor reported seeing a major opportunity in the successful Maruti Suzuki business in India. As an investment, the only major problem that Third Point found with Suzuki was its legal battle with VW. "The company's greatest asset is its low-cost manufacturing process for vehicles for the emerging market consumer," the fund said in a letter, according to Bloomberg. Third Point reportedly also wants a seat on Suzuki's board, despite being a minority shareholder. The alliance between Suzuki and VW goes back to late 2009. In the deal, the Japanese brand was meant to get access to cutting-edge tech, and the German firm got a helping hand towards better establishing itself in India and Southeast Asia. Things didn't go as planned, though. Less than two years later, Suzuki's boss publicly derided the deal. Eventually, the allegations started going back and forth, and the two have been working out a way to untangle practically ever since. Among the biggest issue has been how to get back the 19.9 percent stake that VW purchased. According to Bloomberg, the arbitration is now technically over. With the divorce nearly final, the two sides are just waiting on a decision on how to split things up. Suzuki may even just buy VW's stake to get the shares back.

2019 Suzuki Jimny images leaked — first new generation in 20 years

The new-generation Suzuki Jimny is ready for a reveal. Photos of a production version shown at a preview event leaked online via Instagram, and they show a front shot and a front three-quarter shot of the completely redesigned small SUV. The lines and side sheetmetal pressings of the no-nonsense, go-anywhere Jimny are a clear nod to classic '70s and '80s models. The Australian website CarAdvice notes that the lime green Jimny seen here is clearly a home market version without any wheel arch extensions, as the vehicle needs to be as narrow as possible to comply with Japanese width regulations — it is alsos likely that the Jimny here is powered with a 660cc engine from the tiny kei car class. Outside of Japan, the hips might be wider, and a recent spy shot depicting finished vehicles at the factory shows slightly wider wheel arches. Every millimeter counts, it seems — just when you want to avoid scraping a rock on an off-road trail. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Export market Jimnys should have a one-liter turbo or a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter unit. Inside, the Jimny will feature a hard-wearing interior with a chunky dashboard, a render of which was also leaked online a short while ago. Everything about that dash appears to be designed with functionality as the top requirement, with just a large central touchscreen serving as a reminder that we're getting closer to 2020, not 1980. The 2019 model year Jimny is expected to hit Suzuki-selling markets by late 2018. Jimny updates are few and far between, as the current generation was first introduced a solid 20 years ago. Related Video: Image Credit: Suzukinfluencer/Instagram Spy Photos Suzuki SUV suzuki jimny