Tokyo Motor Show 2017:
The Suzuki e-Survivor is an eye-catching riff on the elderly Jimny, which is due to be replaced. We’re still waiting on a definite answer as to exactly when Suzuki will replace its charming if utterly basic off-roader, the diminutive Jimny.
But what if it looked like this? The Suzuki e-Survivor is a concept for a futuristic SUV powered with four in-wheel electric motors and a battery pack. Apparently it will also be capable of autonomous driving, but there’s so little of it, it’s difficult to see where all the control computers would go.
Future SUVs and crossovers could soon run on pure electricity, and Suzuki has just revealed a concept that mixes both ruggedness and high-tech propulsion. Called the e-Survivor, the high-riding electric vehicle (EV) features a ladder frame chassis, a stylish exterior and interior, and four electric motors that power each wheel.
Built and designed to preview what could be the next big EV, the e-Survivor builds upon the success of both the Jimny and Vitara, and takes it up a notch.
Starting off with its exterior design, the front fascia is reminiscent of Suzuki's 4x4s of old with its big round headlights, multi-slat grill and rugged-looking bumper. Around the back, the e-Survivor gets sleek taillights, a pair of buttresses and even the iconic 'Rhino' logo that is sitting behind the Suzuki badge. Other features present on the EV concept include electric-powered retractable running boards, a T-bar like roof and unique Bridgestone tires.
Over to its interior, the e-Survivor gets a futuristic finish that is comprised of exposed metal trim and brightly-colored trim accents. Meanwhile, tech features present in the concept include a sphere-shaped infotainment system, a steering-wheel mounted monitor, a heads-up display and another pair of monitors placed in front of the passenger seat. It also comes with several spearks and air-conditioning vents placed within the seats.
Its designer, Taku Fukui, said he took inspiration from the old Sidekick, as well as the tiny Kei cars that dominate the domestic Japanese car market. There are no plans to put this concept into production, Fukui said. The point was to show Suzuki's vision of what we'll be driving in 100 years. It's almost quaint they think we'll still be driving at all by 2117.
