What is it?
Isuzu Axiom XSR Concept
What's special about it?
To grasp the Isuzu Axiom XSR concept vehicle, think Chevy SSR without the retro styling or the big, fat, throbbing V8 under the hood. What exactly does this mean? Basically, Isuzu took an Axiom SUV and turned it into a two-seat roadster with a power retractable hardtop and a giant tonneau-covered trunk.
To create the XSR, designers shortened the donor Axiom SUV's wheelbase by 10 inches. The roof, rear side doors and tailgate were removed. Windshield rake was increased and the front doors were stretched by 8 inches. Steel braces were welded into place at strategic points in the body to retain structural integrity.
As if this weren't enough to attract attention, Custom Pearl Yellow paint with embedded glass bead technology and an aero body kit with front and rear skid plates and spoilers were added for visual effect. It all rides atop gargantuan 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot 245/40ZR tires and Isuzu's allegedly intelligent suspension control system.
Powering the Axiom XSR is a 230 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Power and Winter modes. All four wheels are driven when necessary, thanks to the Torque-On-Demand 4WD system, which detects wheel slippage and transfers power accordingly. The Axiom XSR is rated to tow 4,500 pounds and comes with an integrated tow hitch. Cross-drilled and ventilated Brembo four-wheel disc brakes boast four-piston calipers for superior stopping power.
Inside there are leather-upholstered Recaro sport seats with five-point safety harnesses. A voice-activated (in a convertible?) Clarion Joyride stereo with DVD navigation and color monitor is included, and multiple integrated interior storage compartments manage the life of the active outdoorsperson.
Why should you care?
It's not an original idea, and not sensible either. After all, the Rodeo Sport is a convertible, too, powered by a slightly less energetic 3.2-liter V6. Plus, it seats four people. But give Isuzu props for going to extremes to show what could be done to expand the Axiom line of SUVs. — Christian Wardlaw
Isuzu Axiom XSR Concept
What's special about it?
To grasp the Isuzu Axiom XSR concept vehicle, think Chevy SSR without the retro styling or the big, fat, throbbing V8 under the hood. What exactly does this mean? Basically, Isuzu took an Axiom SUV and turned it into a two-seat roadster with a power retractable hardtop and a giant tonneau-covered trunk.
To create the XSR, designers shortened the donor Axiom SUV's wheelbase by 10 inches. The roof, rear side doors and tailgate were removed. Windshield rake was increased and the front doors were stretched by 8 inches. Steel braces were welded into place at strategic points in the body to retain structural integrity.
As if this weren't enough to attract attention, Custom Pearl Yellow paint with embedded glass bead technology and an aero body kit with front and rear skid plates and spoilers were added for visual effect. It all rides atop gargantuan 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot 245/40ZR tires and Isuzu's allegedly intelligent suspension control system.
Powering the Axiom XSR is a 230 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Power and Winter modes. All four wheels are driven when necessary, thanks to the Torque-On-Demand 4WD system, which detects wheel slippage and transfers power accordingly. The Axiom XSR is rated to tow 4,500 pounds and comes with an integrated tow hitch. Cross-drilled and ventilated Brembo four-wheel disc brakes boast four-piston calipers for superior stopping power.
Inside there are leather-upholstered Recaro sport seats with five-point safety harnesses. A voice-activated (in a convertible?) Clarion Joyride stereo with DVD navigation and color monitor is included, and multiple integrated interior storage compartments manage the life of the active outdoorsperson.
Why should you care?
It's not an original idea, and not sensible either. After all, the Rodeo Sport is a convertible, too, powered by a slightly less energetic 3.2-liter V6. Plus, it seats four people. But give Isuzu props for going to extremes to show what could be done to expand the Axiom line of SUVs. — Christian Wardlaw
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