-ISUZU VehiCROSS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-WEATHER/ ALL-TERRAIN SPORTS VEHICLE
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Autoworld.com - David Lee - The VehiCROSS, Isuzu's
high-performance Sports vehicle, burst on to the SUV market raising
performance expectations for the segment and firmly establishing Isuzu as the
SUV specialist.  Get
A Quick Quote HereConceived for the prestigious Tokyo Motor Show and later put into limited production for the Japanese market, VehiCROSS quickly gained international automotive attention. "Clearly, those experts in a position to judge an important technological shift accompanied by strong market response began to view VehiCROSS apart from other SUVs. Nor is it like any other sport-utility we presently market," said AIMI senior vice president, general manager, Bob Reilly. The all-aluminum front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout invites spirited driving, on-and off -road. The VehiCROSS features a 3.5-liter, dual-overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine, the most powerful engine in an Isuzu SUV today. Rated at 215 horsepower @ 5400 rpm and 230 ft-lbs torque @ 3,000 rpm, the VehiCROSS is the most powerful vehicle in its class. This is a refined, powerful V6 engine utilizing F1 racing technology to improve performance and durability. The engine's high-flow, straight-port configuration channels the air-fuel mix efficiently to the combustion chambers, thereby adding to a smooth power delivery. To maximize power at both low and high engine speeds, a butterfly valve in the air intake port opens at higher speeds (above 3600 rpm) to allow air a more direct path into the engine. At lower speeds (3600 rpms or less) this valve closes providing maximum torque, the ideal situation for an SUV. A lightweight direct attack valve system uses a serpentine cog belt driving one gear controlling both camshafts on each head, which further enhances engine performance. The result is a high-performance engine that is lighter, more powerful and increasingly dependable. "Mechanically, this is the most advanced engine produced by Isuzu Motors Limited engineering for an SUV. Its specifications, materials used and innovative power delivery systems are nothing less than world-class," Reilly added. VehiCROSS attacks any terrain under almost any condition with Isuzu Motor Limited's much-heralded TORQUE-ON-DEMAND 4WD system, co-patented with Borg-Warner. This TOD system is unique to the world market and is designed to select the most suitable torque distribution between the wheels automatically. VehiCROSS offers the only terrain "sensing" 4WD system presently available TORQUE-ON-DEMAND (TOD). TOD continually evaluates a stream of data, which includes rear axle speed, front axle speed, throttle position, brake and ABS activation. Using this data, the TOD system can automatically readjust the amount of torque distributed to the front and rear axle every 20 milliseconds. It is a fully automatic system, always in operation. The driver doesn't have to do anything. There is an illuminated read-out on the instrument panel to advise the driver of how drive torque is being distributed. Isuzu's TOD system is the only 4WD system to use a dedicated computer, hence, its functions are not compromised by the management of other systems, like emissions control or ABS operations. Stored in the control unit are a wide range of patented "what if' scenarios. All of the scenarios are represented by a three-dimensional "map," providing the TOD system with instructions for any potential road conditions. These scenarios enable the Isuzu "anticipate" wheel slippage and attempt to correct it before it occurs. Also available on the Isuzu Trooper, TOD has been modified for application in this high-performance sports vehicle. VehiCROSS handles low-to-medium speed, off-road driving and all-around on-road driving with equal aplomb. Four-wheel, ventilated disc-brakes and 4-wheel ABS are standard. The suspension has been created to accommodate the everyday touring and high- performance, off-road operation enabled by the TOD system and the high-output motor. The competition-inspired, front double-wishbone with torsion bar and rear four-link coil suspension is a proven design made popular by off -road racing teams. The suspension is specially tuned to facilitate a broad range of performance driving over varied terrain. It features an industry first for a production vehicle, 6061-T8 extruded aluminum mono-tube shocks with attached expansion chamber. This design separates shock gas and oil, and limits the loss of dampening normally caused by aeration or cavitation during performance use. The expansion tank prolongs full dampening and helps to ensure a smooth ride during normal driving. Load-sensing power-assist recirculating ball steering is standard. To further enhance driver feel, forged body bushings are used to increase side sway stability to a level more akin to a sports car than a typical SUV. Reinforced cab mounts, torsion bars, coil springs and stabilizers each assist in keeping the body/frame rigid thereby adding to driveability. VehiCROSS's styling is invigorating and challenges one's assumptions of what an SUV should look like. Its low roofline, rear cargo door with integrated spare tire, polypropylene body cladding, sloping hood and expansive windshield, deliver an athletic visual message. An aircraft-type fuel filler, integrated lamps and side markers, P245/70R16 (new 18" alloy wheel will replace the 16" alloy wheel at mid-year.) tires and 16" polished alloy wheels add authentic performance details to an already strong automotive image. The interior carbon fiber-style door panel accents carbon mesh-type gauge treatment, race-inspired, leather-covered steering wheel and leather Recaro front seats. The 50/50 split folding/reclining rear seats, when folded forward give VehiCROSS 50.4 cubic-feet of storage. With the rear seats up, VehiCROSS offers comfortable, distance cruising for four adults with room for luggage. A roof rail system is standard. A comprehensive sound system, including an in-dash 6-CD changer is also standard. The 2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS is hand crafted and is the first production vehicle to use ceramic dies in its metal stamping process. Isuzu' s ceramic die process is innovative, fast, and cost-effective. The time schedule and investment of ceramic dies is approximately half that of the cast iron. "From its curbside image to the instrument panel's amber lighting, the VehiCROSS delivers what it promises to be. This sports vehicle is an authentic performer with everyday use capability. Like many of the world's high-performance vehicles, this Isuzu vehicle is designed to satisfy the driving needs of a specific customer. It is not designed to compete with our Amigo or Rodeo models or any other contemporary SUV in its class. We see VehiCROSS as being unique. A genuine display of Isuzu Motor Limited's SUV engineering and manufacturing specialization," Reilly concluded. TORQUE-ON-DEMAND is a registered trademark of Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. |
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