Future Sports Cars Sneak Preview: 2009 to 2012

2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3

An accessible alternative to the near-luxury segment.

By Mike Monticello

Photo by Jay K. McNally

The Concept Kizashi 3 is the third and last of the Kizashi concepts, the previous two seen at the 2007 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows. Besides the fact that the Concept Kizashi 3 is the best-looking of the trio, it's also the most important because Suzuki says it will produce a sports sedan based on this design to go on sale in North America by 2010. Kizashi, by the way, is Japanese for "preview."

The Concept Kizashi 3's power comes from a 3.6-liter dohc V-6 with 300 bhp. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters and the car rides on 21-in. wheels. Its overall length of 183.0 in. means it is just a bit larger than a BMW 3 Series. Suzuki says the goal for the new car will be to "provide an accessible alternative to the near- luxury segment."

More at Road & Track

Slideshow: Future Sports Cars Sneak Preview

Slideshow: 2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3