Whereas the Apex concept derived from the Kizashi is more for the race-oriented guys who have less consideration for the environment, the EcoCharge addresses the need for a greener, cleaner future, by presenting a gas-electric powertrain.
Under the hood of the model, a 2.0l inline-four gasoline engine goes about its regular business while being aided by a liquid-cooled 15-kW electric motor/generator unit. A 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery completes the system, providing for a total output of 156 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.
Additional fuel saving technologies like regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the car comes to a stop, fuel cut-off during deceleration events and low-rolling resistance tires help the model achieve, according to the manufacturer, a 25 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the production version Kizashi.
"We are continuing to study the virtues of the gas-electric technology found in the Kizashi EcoCharge Concept," said Steve Younan, director of automotive marketing and product planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation. "Our basic concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy without the traditional sacrifices in drivability required with today's mid-size hybrid sedans.
The Japanese manufacturer did not make any announcements regarding the possible production version of the EcoCharge. Considering the current market trend, as well as the new emissions and consumption regulations, it's likely however we'll see a variant of the model on the streets in the next two years or so.
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