Unveiling the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept at 2011 New York International Auto Show

Since Toyota launched the gas-electric hybrid Prius in 1997, and since then just about every car manufacturer grabbed the chance to make a clean and dependable green car version of their own which assures to provide better fuel consumption with now performance
compromises. Suzuki tries to enter the green car invention competition by presenting the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

The prototype sedan, which is based on the regular street-going car is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and able to produce 144 horsepower. This engine creates a perfect harmony with an electric propulsion system comprising of a liquid-cooled 15kW motor/generator unit tied to a 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery.

As one of the Japanese automakers, Suzuki adds that the combination is good for a 25 percent increase over the standard Kizashi’s
30mpg highway fuel-economy rating. If they took the time to offer those figures, then Suzuki will consider the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge into the production line. To make the car stand out from its road-going cousins, Suzuki has decorated the Kizashi EcoCharge with different headlights, LEDs in the fascia and a white satin paint job communicate with metallic blue accents.

Take a look at the picture above and you will know why we so fond of this green car from Suzuki. Steve Younan, the Director of Automotive Marketing and Product Planning for American Suzuki Motor Corporation states, “Our basic concept was to attain substantial gains in fuel economy usage without the traditional sacrifice in drivability required with today’s mid-size hybrid sedans. The proof of our concept is that Kizashi EcoCharge ahs the ability to deliver a 25 percent fuel economy gain in real-world driving through an electric charge to the powertrain system while still retaining the production of Kizashi’s dynamic handling and braking advantages that make it a standout category performer.” He added that Suzuki is continuing to study virtues of the gas-electric technology found in the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept.