Isuzu VX-O2 Concept

Isuzu VX-O2
NEW YORK - While most SUV makers search to find ways to make their products more car-like to gain a broader appeal, Isuzu has gone off and pushed the envelope on SUV styling, off-road capability and futuristic technology.

The VX-02 concept is a cutting-edge convertible version of Isuzu's VehiCROSS sport utility that went on sale earlier this year. Though Isuzu calls it the first "off-roadster," it's really a bit "off the wall." A cut-down windscreen and hard tonneau cover give the VX-02 the look of a speedster-style sports car. That is, it looks like a sports car under the influence of some heavy mind-altering drugs.

The oxygen symbol used in the name stands for the vehicle's open-air capability from its articulating power hardtop that retracts into a storage well beneath the rear deck. The top raises or lowers by an interior switch or remotely via the wonders of electronic gadgetry.

Voice commands operate the stereo, CD-ROM player and satellite-linked navigation system. There are a host of high-tech extravagances such as email, voice memos and an infrared data port. The center console has docking ports for palm-size PCs and cell phones, plus temperature-controlled cupholders and a cooler.

Setting aside the gee-whiz gizmos, there are even a few features we find interesting. The VX-02 uses the same aluminum 3.5-liter V6 as the VehiCROSS. Leather Recaro bucket seats come with four-point safety harnesses and built-in speakers and microphones. Best of all, an active suspension system adjusts shock damping to provide a comfortable ride on (or off) any road surface.

Will this thing make it to production? Well, we never thought that the "normal" VehiCROSS would, so we would not be the least bit surprised to see this wacky "off-roadster' cruising down Sunset Boulevard sometime in the near future. Then again, Isuzu may be taking their own "Go Farther" ad campaign a bit too literally.