Energised by continued strong sales and the recent launch of the all-new four-door Suzuki SX4 Sport, American Suzuki Motor Corp. arrived at the 2007 Los Angeles Motor Show poised to impress Southern California car enthusiasts with its full line of versatile cars and SUVs and its never-before-seen Makai concept vehicle, a surf-inspired convertible based on the SX4 Sport.

Suzuki also showcases its thriving motor sports division with its highly anticipated SX4 WRC car, derived from the five-door SX4 Crossover, and its Suzuki XL7 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Special, which appears at this year’s show for the first time in North America since shattering the long standing overall time record at the 85th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July.

“With this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show as a backdrop, we’re excited to showcase our expanded line of fun-to-drive production vehicles, including the all-new SX4 Sport,” said Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki’s Automotive Operations. “But given Southern California’s reputation for creativity and style, this show also is the perfect venue to display various concepts and other specially modified Suzuki vehicles sharing similar levels of inspiration, lifestyle-based passion and design DNA.”

Suzuki Makai

Concurrent with the arrival of the 2008 SX4 Sport production vehicle, Suzuki further expands its highly popular and media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series (LIFE VEHICLES) – a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.

With spirited colours and a playful design, Suzuki’s newest LIVE Series offering, the Makai concept, is based on the all-new 2008 SX4 Sport and has a dedicated open-car bodystyle for breezy fun-in-the-sun motoring – the perfect ingredient for an exhilarating driving experience. Fabricated and painted by Andry Specialty Vehicles of Torrance, California, the Makai’s potential is fully realised with its comprehensive list of imaginative, high-style features.

From the ground up, its large 19-inch CEC wheels, wide Michelin Pilot sport tyres, four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors and Rotora calipers further enhance the Makai’s wide, aggressive stance. Adorned with multi-step sunset orange paint, custom body kit, styled exhaust, and LED taillights and running lamps, the Makai’s exterior is sure to turn curious heads.

Beachgoers and surf aficionados will enjoy the ride to the beach just as much as the beach itself with Makai’s custom surfboard mounting rack and dual matching sunset orange trimmed boards. A shaved windscreen and targa rear hoop further enhances the Makai’s sporty open-air look.