Built at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., thernSuzuki Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline fourrnwith 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter,rnV6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. ofrntorque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, thernEquator's V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast ironrncylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft andrncamshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, variable valve timing and arnsilent two-stage timing chain.
The Suzuki Equator is matched torneither a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissionrn(I4 and V6) or five-speed manual transmission (I4), and offers anrnavailable shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with anrnelectronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. Forrnenhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensivernoff-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronicrnlocking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descentrncontrol and hill start assist.
The Equator's strong, fully boxedrnframe anchors a long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or CrewrnCab/regular bed), enhancing driver and passenger comfort and stability,rnwhile its overall length of 205.5 inches (Extended Cab or CrewrnCab/regular bed) provides the perfect balance of utility,rnmaneuverability and composure for a midsize pickup truck. The SuzukirnEquator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension andrnsolid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a longrnsuspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towingrncapacity is rated at 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are stillrnpreliminary.
OtherrnSuzuki Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitivernpower-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and goodrnon-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lockrnBraking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).rnEquator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages,rnincluding 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires andrn17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.
Styling and Utility
Thernall-new Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a numberrnof unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille,rnbumpers, front fascia and tailgate. Both Equator Extended Cab and CrewrnCab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes arnfactory-applied spray-on bedliner and an extensive tie-down system withrnadjustable tracks, providing ultimate cargo hauling flexibility throughrnthe use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (twornchannels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and thernbed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels,rnproviding a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo -rnincluding Suzuki motorcycles or ATVs. Suzuki also will offerrnspecialized bed accessories that make loading, securing andrntransporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in many competitiverntrucks. To further satisfy the needs of active lifestyles, Suzuki willrnoffer its customers a full range of more traditional accessories forrnuse with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargorntrays and modular storage units. Crew Cab models will offer anrnavailable roof rack.
Interior
The SuzukirnEquator offers the driver and up to four passengers a functionalrninterior that combines versatility, cargo utility, comfort andrnconvenience. Both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles feature flip-uprnrear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storagernboxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargorncapacity. The Equator offers additional convenience features such as arndual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage andrnone-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors. A host ofrncupholders and power points are standard throughout the truck. EquatorrnCrew Cab also will offer available leather-appointed seats, including arnpower-adjustable driver's seat, heated seats, heated mirrors and arnfactory-installed moonroof. Additional available interior amenitiesrninclude a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, RockfordrnFosgate-powered audio system with six-disc in-dash CD audio system,rnoptional satellite radio and MP3 capability and MP3 player aux-in jack.
Safety and Packages
Thernall-new Equator includes a comprehensive list of standard safetyrnequipment, including zone body construction with front and rear crumplernzones, dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensorsrnand a front occupant classification sensor, three-point front seatrnbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and Tire Pressure MonitoringrnSystem. To make the safety story even stronger, the Equator comesrnequipped with supplemental front seat side-impact air bags andrnsupplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protectionrnfor front and rear outboard passengers. Additionally, Extended Cab andrnCrew Cab models provide three-point seat belts for all rear seatrnoccupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab. The LATCHrn(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system isrnprovided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.
Equator RMZ-4, Quay and Quad Concept Vehicles
Designedrnto match Suzuki's performance-oriented motocross motorcycles, the RMZ-4rnconcept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. ThisrnEquator-based concept, built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., featuresrna number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender providedrnby Amp Research, an eye-catching graphic treatment, 18-inch blackrnchrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights. The truck's strikingrnexterior is matched by an equally stunning sound system that includesrnan Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speakerrncomponents.
Another Carlab creation to debut in Chicago, the Quayrnconcept is built to suit recreational boating and watersportsrnlifestyles, with a customized paint job that reflects the look ofrnSuzuki's line of marine engines. With an Extended Cab, long bed andrnhefty towing capabilities, the truck also is equipped with arnstate-of-the-art Visteon nav-control head unit that provides satelliternradio, MP3 and navigation capabilities, in addition to Rockford Fosgaternamp and speaker components. The Quay also sports special 20-inch wheelsrnand a matching locking hard tonneau cover.
Built to resemble thernSuzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoorrnlifestyle, the Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-basedrnAndry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab andrnmilitary "look and feel." In addition to a custom paint job and arntwo-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has beenrnmodified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style frontrnbumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards. To enhance thernvehicle's overall appearance and performance, the Quad is equipped withrnYokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheelsrnand features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.