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2005 Suzuki Reno Intruder Concept

The Not-So-Fast and the Frivolous

"From the streets of Los Angeles to blockbuster movies like "The Fast and the Furious," Generation Y leads the trend of customizing vehicles..." zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

So begins Suzukis press release introducing a second take on the possibilities for accessorizing the 2005 Suzuki Reno for the second year running. I hate to play the spoiler, but surely Suzuki has at least a couple of guys on the payroll that can pump out enough copy to keep from recirculating the same press release over and over and over.

The car in question, the Suzuki Reno, has twice been adapted for the auto show circuit, previously as the Tuner concept and more recently as the Intruder concept. Despite

The Suzuki Reno has twice been adapted for the auto show circuit, previously as the Tuner concept and now the Intruder. (Photo: Suzuki)

my disparaging remarks about Suzukis PR department, the car itself is a winner. The Reno was designed by Ital Design in Europe, or, more specifically, Italy, the same design firm responsible for the Lotus Esprit, Lexus GS 300, Maserati 3200GT, among others.

The Reno isnt quite in the same league mechanically or aesthetically as those three, but it nevertheless is a feather in Suzukis cap to have something

The Reno is a feather in Suzukis cap; critical for the automaker to have something as attractive rounding out the bottom of its product line. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

as attractive rounding out the bottom of its product line. Speaking of which, Suzukis product line is rounding into shape nicely, with last years addition of the Forenza and Verona and the stimulating Concept X foreshadowing good things to come when Suzuki replaces the aging XL-7 and Grand Vitara.

A little bit off track, I know, but its hard not to smile and share the enthusiasm coming from Suzukis lineup. So what if all of the

The Intruder, as the name implies, is a tad more menacing then the stock Reno. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

new models are little more than rebadged Daewoo models, the result of a partnership with GM to take over the ailing South Korean automakers production facilities. And while the Standard Reno, known as the Chevy Optra5 in Canada, where it isnt available in Suzuki dealerships by the way, is a button of smiles and enthusiasm, the Intruder, as the name implies, is a tad more menacing... perhaps even more than a tad, say a wad. A wad more menacing? Wads more menacing even...

Anyway, the custom shades on the headlights, the wire mesh grille and lower front lip spoiler give the Intruder

Suzukis "Firestorm Orange Pearl coat paint" really stands out. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation)

a nasty, snarling edge while the ground effects, rocker panels and rooftop spoiler lend it a sleeker profile. The Sport Max Chromium Black Alloy Wheels really stand out, and at 17 inches and wrapped in Yokohama performance rubber, no doubt they would help the Reno stick to corners at speeds unimaginable in stock trim.

Further aid for the cause of body control is provided by Renos front MacPherson strut suspension and independent, dual-link suspension in the rear. The Renos basic equipment, consisting of front and rear stabilizer bars, are fortified with a Tanabe "SUSTEC" Strut-tower bar that should help eliminate body roll during aggressive cornering.

Suzuki gives the Reno a little street racer cred with APC racing seats boasting massive bolsters, carbon fiber upholstery, and custom matching floormats. (Photo: American Suzuki Motor Corporation) align="justify">But best of all is what Suzuki dubs "Firestorm Orange Pearl coat paint." Normally I am loathe to compliment or even admire anything except an orange in orange, but this shade, along with Nissans Le Mans Sunset, really do it for me. In the dark of night it is said to take on a bloodish hue and in the bright daylight itll dance like flames with the pearl coat, creating its own sensory artistry.

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