The
VX-02
VX-O2, as the oxygen symbol implies is an open-air, two-seat version of the Isuzu VehiCROSS that pushes the limits of all-road performance, and expands the functional utility of the future sport utility vehicle.
The Isuzu VX-O2 continues the evolution of the extreme Sport Utility Vehicle with its world debut at the 1999 New York Auto Show. VX-O2, as the oxygen symbol implies, is an open-air, two-seat version of the Isuzu VehiCROSS that pushes the limits of all-road performance, and expands the functional utility of the future sport utility vehicle.
VX-O2 refines one of the world's most sophisticated production SUV suspension systems. VehiCROSS's proven front double wishbone and rear center, four-link coil suspension was augmented by the first production use of expansion-chamber equipped shocks made from aircraft quality 6061-T8 extruded aluminum. This design controls cavitation and heat fading most shocks experience during high energy driving.
The VX-O2 takes this suspension to the next level with an "Active Ride Control" system, which senses terrain and continuously adjusts shock valving to provide superior ride and handling on and off-road. A dedicated CPU monitors input from eleven sensors to select from 17 different damping settings. An adjustment switch on the center console allows the driver to select a bias for either touring or sport driving. In addition, 18-inch wheels and tires provide aggressive traction while revealing the racy cross-drilled four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.
VX-O2 styling highlights include a chopped windshield, sculpted "speedster" tonneau cover; integrated rear wing, custom mesh aluminum grille and dual chrome tipped exhaust. Style and function come together in the VX-O2 with an articulating hard top that retracts beneath a hard boot, lockable rear trunk and integrated bike attachments, as well as individual storage compartments built into the tonneau cover. Enhancing the VX-O2's all-weather/all-road performance are projector beam fog lamps and customized front, side and rear skid plates.
Inside, a Race Red and Carbon Gray two-toned interior holds two leather trimmed Recaro Sport® seats with 4-point safety harnesses and integrated speakers and microphones. The motor sport inspired theme continues with MOMO™ ergonomic pedals and steering wheel, carbon fiber shifter handle and custom floor mats with heel plate forming the basic driver/vehicle interface.
Mixing business with pleasure is a VX-O2 specialty. Its "waterfall" center console has docking ports to interface palm-sized PCs and cell phones with the AutoPC™ system, as well as temperature-controlled cup holders and a "Camelback" cooler.
Powering the VX-O2 concept is an all aluminum-alloy port-injected DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine with varible intake tuning and direct ignition, making 215 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 230 ft-lb of torque at 3000 rpm. A robust four-speed automatic transmission with advanced TORQUE-ON-DEMAND (TOD)® technology senses road conditions then instantly balances drive torque front-to-rear for maximum traction. This intelligent four-wheel-drive system lets you set it and forget it as it automatically adjusts drive torque from 100 percent rear drive to 50:50 4WD or any ratio between. With TOD, a high quality limited slip differential, four-wheel ABS, and retractable hard top, VX-O2 gives the driver supreme confidence in any weather or road condition.
As the VehiCROSS name reflected that vehicle's ability to easily make the crossover from paved to unpaved roads and from daily usage to the pursuit of the owner's special interests, the VX-O2 does that and more. It goes farther to open up a new world of possibilities.
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