Preview: Turbo’d SX4t Set to Hit SEMA

Suzuki announced today that it will be bringing a turbocharged version of its SX4 Crossover to next week’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, a hot little number inventively titled the SX4t Turbo Concept. The concept car may be a little light on originality but it will provide what seems like a highly attainable target for SX4 owners who’ve been bitten by the tuner bug.

The SX4t most notably adds a 16G GT3 turbo with a Tial wastegate kit from Road Race Motorsports, which helps to bump the Suzuki’s engine specs from 143 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque to 221 and 208 respectively. The concept also gets a new set of springs and a rear sway bar, along with uprated front brakes and pads, and a much more aggressive wheel/tire package. A carbon fiber hood and darkened roof pillars dominate the exterior appearance upgrades, and give the Suzuki a bit of visual drama to match its greatly improved performance.

Read the full SX4t Turbo Concept press release below and stay tuned for many more images of the car after its debut on Tuesday, November 4 in Vegas.

SX4t Turbo Concept

Suzuki takes the SX4 Crossover’s outstanding capability to the next level in performance with the SX4t Turbo Concept, which recently was featured in the November 2008 issue of Sport Compact Car. Upfitted with a 16G GT3 Turbo and Tial 38mm Wastegate kit from Road Race Motorsports, the SX4 engine’s stock 143 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque are upgraded to 221 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. Road Race’s GRIP springs and a rear sway bar help control the significant upgrade in horsepower, while slotted front discs and performance brake pads enhance deceleration.

Simplifying some of the exterior lines and removing the roof rack resulted in a sleek, unified appearance. Road Race installed its own CarbonTrix carbon fiber hood, and provided the SX4’s roof and A, B, C and D pillars with a complementary dark metallic gray finish. Suzuki’s Quicksilver metallic remains the primary color south of the greenhouse, visually meshing with Rota’s 17-inch five-spoke wheels surrounded by 225/45/R17 Yokohama Advan Neova tires.

On the interior, front seats benefit from a custom bolster, and both front and rear seats are recovered, featuring new fabric inserts, which continue the exterior’s silver metallic theme. To further accentuate the SX4’s performance intent, the driver’s contact points are enhanced by a JDM Suzuki Swift sport steering wheel, Road Race sequential-style shift knob and billet-drilled pedal set from Genuine Suzuki Accessories. The SX4t Turbo Concept also features a Rockford Fosgate audio system with enhanced amp, speakers and subwoofer.