The production version of the Suzuki Kizashi sedan was officially revealed yesterday in a special launch event in Detroit. Built at Suzuki’s new manufacturing plant in Sagara, Japan, the Kizashi will serve as the company’s flagship model when it arrives in US showrooms later this year. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive versions, Suzuki’s Mazda6 and VW Passat rival will initially be offered with a 2,4-litre four-cylinder engine linked to either a 6-speed manual transmission or optionally, a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

While the Japanese automaker did not disclose any output figures for the base four-cylinder engine, Suzuki did reveal that other powertrain options are also under development for the Kizashi including a fuel efficient hybrid version that will be added to the lineup in the very near future.

Built on a brand-new platform, the Kizashi features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the back, with Suzuki supporting that the sedan will offer drivers “a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience”.

An Electronic Stability Program and anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution as well as the Suzuki-developed synergetic vehicle dynamic control system that assists drivers control will be offered as standard on the Kizashi.

Measuring in at 4 650 mm long, 1 820 mm wide and 1 480 mm high with a wheelbase of 2 700 mm, the Kizashi is roughly the same size as the latest generation Audi A4 Sedan.

Despite the fact that the Kizashi originated from the Concept Kizashi series introduced over the last two years, the production model’s styling is far less dramatic, which is a shame as the concept study featured an extremely well executed design that received positive reactions from European and US consumers alike.

As for the mid-size sedan’s interior, Suzuki’s designers crafted an elegant looking dashboard that features an Alfa-esque instrument panel with two deeply set gauges and an uncluttered center console.

More details as well as US prices are expected to be released closer to the sedan’s sales launch in December. Suzuki has yet to announce when the Kizashi will arrive in other international markets.

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Adapted from CarScoop

The arrival of the month of May brings with it a new production model for sale from Dutch manufacturer Spyker called the C8 Aileron. Heavily influenced by the companies background in aviation, the C8 is certainly a love it or hate it vehicle with lots of unique stylistic features, including a glass roof bisected by one of several turbine-style air inlets. One thing almost everyone will appreciate is the V8 engine from Audi that produces 298 kilowatt.

Spyker is certainly a niche manufacturer, meaning many people have never even heard of the company. One thing this helps the company cater to is individuality and an infinite amount of buyer input into each handcrafted vehicle. On the outside, almost every exterior panel has an air intake which certainly contributes to the fighter jet look that seems to be the main inspiration behind the style of the car. Inside the C8 Aileron is a combination of retro styling and hand crafted materials including an optional brushed aluminum dashboard, unique leather seats available in 14 standard colors or in any other color as an option, and a chrome shifter console that looks as if it was borrowed from Captain Nemo’s Nautilus. Also available is a Kharma Sound System with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and navigation system. Interior air vents are designed to look like turbines to the benefit of the AC system which the company says has been significantly improved.

The mid-mounted Audi V8 engine is capable of a maximum power of 298kW and purportedly propels the C8 Aileron to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 300km/h. Unique to this model is either a six-speed ZF automatic with torque converter or a six-speed Getrag manual. Both transmissions retain the Spyker trademark exposed gear change mechanism. New 10-blade, 19-inch directional rotor wheels are available as an option and like many other components, were inspired by the turbine blades of a jet engine.

The C8 Aileron is available in 16 standard colours, but customers may choose any other color they wish including well as the Spyker Squadron GT2 color scheme as an option . Pricing begins at US$250 000.

Adapted from RideLust