Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid Concept, plans for 2015 production

Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid Concept, plans for 2015 productionAuto Expo 2010: Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid Concept, plans for 2015 production

In addition to the cool R3 MPV, Suzuki is also showing off a new SX4 Hybrid concept vehicle at the New Delhi Motor Show. Interestingly, this SX4 uses a previously unseen hybrid system developed by Maruti Suzuki with assistance from India's National Hybrid Propulsion Program and the (deep breath) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources' High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

This new hybrid drivetrain is a full parallel system – meaning it can run on electricity alone for short distances – utilizing a 1.2-liter gasoline-burning engine with a 50 kW electric motor. Unlike many hybrids that use a CVT transmission, the SX4 is equipped with a five-speed automated manual unit. A lithium ion battery pack of unknown capacity stores the electrons.

Suzuki will be demonstrating its SX4 Hybrid during India's Common Wealth Games in October and plans to have the technology in full production as early as 2015.