Suzuki is one of a small number of manufacturers to produce both cars and motorbikes. First introduced 20 years ago, the GSX-R/4 sports concept was developed as the amalgamation of its 2- and 4-wheeled sports vehicles. It featured the high-performance engine from the company's "Hayabusa" flagship sports bike mounted amidships on a lightweight aluminum-framed car body. The GSX-R/4 has also appeared in previous Gran Turismo titles.
And now, the latest rendition of the Hayabusa engine returns with Suzuki's latest developments in electrification and lightweight construction methods in the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo.
The car sports a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout with the new Hayabusa 1,340 cc engine mounted just aft of the front axle. The gasoline engine is combined with two electric motors that drive the front wheels and one that powers the rear. Total output is rated at 318kW (426 HP) and 610 Nm (448.4 ft-lb) of torque peaking at 3000 rpm. And thanks to Suzuki's lightweight construction methods, the 2-seat convertible tips the scales at a lean 2,138 lbs.
The exterior design combines the DNA of Suzuki's sporting heritage seen on the Swift Sport. The GSX-R/4's long nose is reminiscent of the company's Cappuccino "kei car." The interior design possesses the aesthetics of a motorcycle and expresses the joy of driving in a modern pure sports fashion.
SUZUKI Vision Gran Turismo (Gr.3 Version)
This car is the Gr.3 version of the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo, a lightweight sports car combining the sporting philosophies of Suzuki's 2- and 4-wheel machines. This model highlights the company's racing prowess and has been extensively tuned to meet Gr.3 regulations.
The base Suzuki VGT features a hybrid powerplant, combining the 1,340 cm³ (1,340 cc) Hayabusa engine with three high-powered electric motors. While the base car was all-wheel drive, the Gr.3 machine takes the form of a front-engine/rear-wheel driver with two 4-cyclinder Hayabusa engines bolted together, making it a (2,680 cc) V-8. With twin turbochargers providing extra muscle, this amazing engine produces 577.9 HP at an astoundingly high 10,000 rpm.
Compared to the base model, the design aesthetics have been altered to provide increased downforce that comes via an enlarged front spoiler, rear wing, air ducting on the hood, and front and rear diffusers. Also, plenty of carbon fiber has been used to keep the car's weight minimal.
The livery represents a vivid representation of Suzuki's passion for motorsports, featuring graphics using Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Mystic Silver, Suzuki's motorcycle race team colors.
