What are they?
Isuzu Z.E.N. and Begin Funkybox
What's special about them?
Isuzu is known in the U.S. mostly for its SUVs, but in Japan it's also famous for its commercial trucks and vans. With crossover vehicles all the rage, Isuzu designers let their imaginations run amuck and came up with these two interpretations.
First, we have the Z.E.N., which purportedly "expresses Japan's ancient essence of harmony," according to Isuzu. The curved windows of the cabin, with its five sections, echo the lines of a folding fan while the angular lines of the cargo space create a strong impression of utility. The lower panel of the tailgate slides up like a Japanese sliding door, and, according to Isuzu, the air intakes on the grille "project an air of mystery." Finally, when the seats aren't in use, you can stow the front seats to cover the dashboard and fold the rear seats into their cubbies and spread out the ready-equipped straw/bamboo matting reversible floor cover to imitate a serene Japanese living room. The four-wheel-drive Z.E.N. is motivated by a 3.0-liter V6 and rides on a leaf-spring rear suspension. Hey, we're talking about tradition, right?
Secondly, Isuzu offers the Begin Funkybox, which, like Swiss Miss, you can't say without smiling (or smirking). Again, this emphasizes Isuzu's desire to obliterate the traditional lines between commercial vehicles and those used for enjoyment (we could tell you ribald stories about goings-on inside waterbed-equipped Econoline vans, but we'll spare your delicate sensibilities). With its vast cargo space, you can configure it in a myriad of ways. Isuzu suggests that you transport your buddies, a kayak or your own personal observatory. We're partial to the moving soundstage, with enough space for amps, speakers and other audio equipment. We don't think that anything will hold Kenny G's hair, though.
Why should you care?
It's nice to know that carmakers still have a sense of humor. We journalists enjoy the odd chuckle once in a while. Seriously, though, these vehicles further expand on the theme running throughout the show, which is that driving is beside the point; the usefulness of a car is measured in how many different ways you can use it to illustrate your lifestyle. — Liz Kim
Isuzu Z.E.N. and Begin Funkybox
What's special about them?
Isuzu is known in the U.S. mostly for its SUVs, but in Japan it's also famous for its commercial trucks and vans. With crossover vehicles all the rage, Isuzu designers let their imaginations run amuck and came up with these two interpretations.
First, we have the Z.E.N., which purportedly "expresses Japan's ancient essence of harmony," according to Isuzu. The curved windows of the cabin, with its five sections, echo the lines of a folding fan while the angular lines of the cargo space create a strong impression of utility. The lower panel of the tailgate slides up like a Japanese sliding door, and, according to Isuzu, the air intakes on the grille "project an air of mystery." Finally, when the seats aren't in use, you can stow the front seats to cover the dashboard and fold the rear seats into their cubbies and spread out the ready-equipped straw/bamboo matting reversible floor cover to imitate a serene Japanese living room. The four-wheel-drive Z.E.N. is motivated by a 3.0-liter V6 and rides on a leaf-spring rear suspension. Hey, we're talking about tradition, right?
Secondly, Isuzu offers the Begin Funkybox, which, like Swiss Miss, you can't say without smiling (or smirking). Again, this emphasizes Isuzu's desire to obliterate the traditional lines between commercial vehicles and those used for enjoyment (we could tell you ribald stories about goings-on inside waterbed-equipped Econoline vans, but we'll spare your delicate sensibilities). With its vast cargo space, you can configure it in a myriad of ways. Isuzu suggests that you transport your buddies, a kayak or your own personal observatory. We're partial to the moving soundstage, with enough space for amps, speakers and other audio equipment. We don't think that anything will hold Kenny G's hair, though.
Why should you care?
It's nice to know that carmakers still have a sense of humor. We journalists enjoy the odd chuckle once in a while. Seriously, though, these vehicles further expand on the theme running throughout the show, which is that driving is beside the point; the usefulness of a car is measured in how many different ways you can use it to illustrate your lifestyle. — Liz Kim
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