Concept cars
REVOLUTIONARY VEHICLE [KAI]
(special exhibition vehicle)
![Photo:REVOLUTIONARY VEHICLE [KAI]](images/rev-vehicle-kai.jpg)
While many SUVs are losing their functional beauty and individuality. Isuzu is pointing the way forward with a pure SUV concept car. Within a body that has a feeling of compact strength, there is ample space for four adults to relax in comfort. This form arose in an original design consept that amalgamated, under the desigin concept Åearchtexture,' three design elements:traditional Japanese esthetics, the texture of modern architecture, and the functional beauty of the chassis-frame structure. We think that you will agree that the traditional beauty of sculptured Japanese geometric design has been revived in a stunningly modern way.
While many SUVs are losing their functional beauty and individuality, Isuzu is pointing the way forward with a pure SUV concept car. Within a body that has a feeling of compact strength, there is ample space for four adults to relax in comfort. This form arose in an original design consept that amalgamated, under the desigin concept Åearchtexture,' three design elements:traditional Japanese esthetics, the texture of modern architecture, and the functional beauty of the chassis frame structure. We think that you will agree that the traditional beauty of sculptured Japanese geometric design has been revived in a stunningly modern way. Helping to realize handling and drive qualities far surperior to any conventional SUV are a V6 2.5~3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve direct-injection turbo diesel engine, and newly developed front double-wishbone and rear multi-link four-wheel independent suspension, two stretch-and-detach shock absorbers per wheel, and an electronically controlled torque-split 4WD [TOD*] system.
ZXS (special exhibiton vehicle)
In anticipation of the 21st century, this concept car demonstrates Isuzu's creative thinking about a coming genre. The keynote for this car is "Cool and Active". It has all the toughness of an SUV but with urban and refined feel. On weekdays there is no compromise when driving in town, while days off can literally be spent off road. On long-distance journeys to leisure destinations it eats up the distance without stress. Sleek and Rugged, the design harmonizes the smooth continuous roofline with powerful toughness at the fenders and wheel arches. Meanwhile, with simple, dynamic design using innovative materials suggestive of metal, amber, and Jpanese lecquer, the classic, solid interior creates a radically modern ambience. [ZXS] is a stylish all-round vehicle for active city dwellers.
*TOD stands for Torque on Demand;both are registered trademarks of Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.
Introduction to SUVs
VX-O2(special exhibition vehicle)
This open two-seater was developed with the design concepts of [VehiCROSS], a special SUV genre that has found numerous fans. The intrepid look has been further enhanced by an aluminum front grille and one-piece rear spoiler. Recaro leather sports seats, a Momo steering wheel, and the pedals make the interior feel like a real sports-car cockpit. Microphone and speakers are integrated for both the left and right seats, enabling voice operation of the audio and navigation systems. Sitting head and shoulder higher than any conventional open two-seater, you can enjoy a completely new travelling experience in this multi-functional open car.
Mu SOLARIS(special exhibiton vehicle)
Mu has been specially designed for casual SUV driving and has a strong appeal for younger drivers and stylish women. The exterior is adorably chic, with a metallic light blue body and beige resin-top roof. The wheel arches and the side moldings are covered by suede-like artificial leather protected by transparent resin. The spare tire cover has also a blue-tinted clear-resin finish. Matching the body color, the interior theme is based on blue, sustaining a pleasant and refreshing environment for urban driving.
WIZARD LSE-LIMITED(special exhibiton vehicle)
The days when 4WD merely meant Spartan outdoor practicality have passed. Now, seeking to express other values, people want more than utility from 4WD cars. The Wizard is an SUV for people who pursue a quality lifestyle. Depth in the body color comes from a maroon base that reflects the orange accents. The golden front grille creates extra presence, while the roof rails and the rear reflector from a single line that sets off the overall streamlined wagon style. Down below, bigger 18-inch aluminum wheels with a new design complete the look. Inside, a new design concept matches the metalic brown and light brown color of the instrumental panel with the two-tone pattern of the artificial suede leather of the seats.
BIGHORN PLASIRII STAR STREAM
(special exhibiton vehicle)
The refined urban style and the open feeling of the BIGHORN interior have been further enhanced. In addition to the elegantly shining black pearl body color, the vehicle is trimmed with various aerodynamic parts. The interior has luxurious and genuine leather power seats with beige trim. A refreshing woodland atmoshere is imparted through the use of still-toned wood-grain panels.
[Other SUVs on display]
WIZARD 2WD "ALIVE" TYPE-X/BIGHORN PLASIRII/WIZARD TYPE-X/Mu OPENTOP
Introduction to Diesel Engine Technology
Why are diesel engines currently attracting so much sttention ?
Environmentally friendly performance.
Easy on the Earth and kind to the lite of the planet.
In Europe, where passenger vehicle diffusion is fully mture, the problem of global warming is taken seriously. Year after year, increasing numbers of European drivers have been opting for diesel engines in their cars. Already one in five cars is diesel powered. Underlying this trend are newer diesel engines that consume less fuel and have excellent ecofriendly performance. One of the main causes of global warming is the CO2 emitted by car engines. The amount of CO2 increases depending on the amount of fuel consumed. Disel engines, simply because they consume less fuel than gasoline engines, contribute less to global warming. Meanwhile, thanks to the latest high-pressure injection and other technologies, during deliberations to decide car diesel engine emisson regulations in 1998 the committee succeeded in reducing the amount of particulate matter by 59 % from the level required in the 1994 regulations. The emission levels for nitrogen oxides (NOx) have also been reduced by as much as 35 % owing to developments such as the EGR system. In other words, diesel engine technology is at the forefront of the battle to improve the atmosphere and global environment.
More effective use of limited resources...
Highly efficient performance.
The thermal efficiency of diesel engines is about 1.2 to 1.4 times better than gasoline engines. Among the internal combustion engines, diesel engines have the highest thermal efficiency and so deliver more usable energy from fuel. This means that diesel technology effectively makes best use of the Earth's limited resources. The diesel engine is also more durable and reliable. While gasoline engines last for 100,000-300,000km, a short life for a diesel engine is 300,000km and more and more diesel engines can keep going further, on past 1 million km. The production and recycling of engines requires resources and energy:the longer the useful life, the lower the consumption of resources and energy.
Isuzu's diesel engine technology.
Isuzu is developing and implementing a number of advanced technologies that both further enhance the intrinsically superior eco-friendly and efficient performance features of the diesel engine and provide the same drive comfort as that of the gasoline engine. By switching to DOHC and the common-rail high-pressure fuel-injection system we have considerably reduced the smount of the particulate matters. Isuzu has also come up with an electronic control system to adjust the fuel injection volume and timing in relation to the detected atmosheric pressure and temperature, and the EGR system to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides. Further improvements are in the pipeline, as Isuzu works to apply the original DPF (diesel particulate filter) and nitrogen oxide catalyst technology. The company has developed and implemented measures to reduce vbration, noise, and weight. Through the use of supercharging technology that employs a turbine compatible with the diesel engine, we have also achieved high torque from the low-rev zone. This fusion of Isuzu's seasoned expertise and electronic control technology is providing new levels of driving pleasure to the drivers of diesel-engined cars. We confidently have our sights set on a next-generation diesel engine that allows the people in the car to talk in whispers, emits no black smoke, and accelerates smoothly and powerfully.
[Engines and engine-related display]
V type 6-cylinder diesel engine in the 2500-3000 cc class (sample exhibit)/4jX1-TC diesel engine/4EE2-TC diesel engine/NOx catalyst technology (sample exhibit)
