As 2012 winds to an end, AutoGuide looks back at all the vehicles that received the axe this year, some that will be missed, while others surely won’t be.
Starting it off is the Acura ZDX, a crossover that had a very tough time breaking into the market. Priced at around $51,815 including delivery, the ZDX was hardly a hot seller for the Japanese automaker, and it’s clear that Acura can’t wait to move forward from it.
Crossovers continue to be one of the most competitive new car segments in the industry, and that’s a good thing for car buyers. With more and more entries into the market, prices have dropped across the board. Here’s a quick look at the top 10 cheapest crossover vehicles.
Students at the Ohio Technical College, in conjunction with American Suzuki Motor Co., have joined forces to build a customized Grand Vitara SUV.
Using a nautical theme, the idea is tie-in both Suzuki’s automotive and marine divisions, while providing attendees at this year’s EMA show in Las Vegas, some 4×4 eye candy.
Upgrades to the Grand Vitara, include (naturally) custom paint, a suspension lift kit, oversized wheels and tires, shaved door handles, fender extensions, hood scoop, a bull bar front bumper, LED headlamps and driving lights, front mounted winch, rear mounted trailer hitch, LED tailgate bar and underbody lights, plus other goodies such as an interior mounted fridge and DVD headrest entertainment system.
In addition, the Grand Vitara will have the roof removed and twin Suzuki outboard motors will be installed at the back, along with other fixtures to give it a more ‘boat like’ appearance.
The Grand Vitara marks the second time that OTC has worked on a project vehicle. Their first, a ‘Hot Wheels’ 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, was commissioned by Vic Edelbrock Jr.
“We were very excited to start this project vehicle with Suzuki,” declared OTC’s director of enrollment management, Tom King. “This project will provide OTC students in our Restoration and our Custom Paint and Graphics Programs with another unique learning opportunity in vehicle modification.”
After being displayed at SEMA, the Grand Vitara is scheduled to do the rounds at a number of other auto expos in 2011-2012, including events in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. For more information on the Grand Vitara Project, click on the link below:
[Source: Ohio Technical College]
Suzuki is recalling their SX4 compact and Grand Vitara SUV over a faulty tensioner pulley that could cause steering difficulties and engine stalling if it causes the accessory belt to detach while driving.
Dealers will replace the pulley at no charge starting February 16th. The recall affects 32,291 vehicles.
[Source: NHTSA]
Hit the jump to read the official recall notice
A recall has been issued on approximately 20,692 Suzuki brand vehicles (including 2009-2010 Equator pickups, Grand Vitara and SX4 models) for defective navigation systems. The vehicles, which were originally equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750; 760 and 765 systems are being recalled for batteries in the nav system that could overheat and potentially start interior fires.
Suzuki has said that it will begin notifying owners of the recall on September 13 and once the vehicle is brought in, a Garmin representative will replace the defective batteries and install a spacer on top of them to prevent overheating.
Equator owners with questions concerning the GPS recall, are able to either contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985. They can also visit Garmin’s website at http://www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
[Source: Pickup trucks.com]
