CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 30
— Isuzu has unleashed the Axiom's
maximum street performance potential in the form of the Axiom XSF concept
vehicle which made its global debut at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers
Association annual show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 30, 2001.
Taking the
''Euro-tuner'' concept of utilizing a factory-developed total performance
package specifically engineered for the Axiom, Isuzu has created the ultimate
''performance utility vehicle.''
Revolutionary Styling
Enhancing the dynamic styling of the Axiom is a ground effects body kit
designed and developed by the design department at Isuzu Motors America, Inc.
(ISZA) and fabricated by Italdesign California (IDC), an independent
subsidiary of Italy's Italdesign Giugiaro.
Recognized for its ability to
engineer world-class prototype vehicles, IDC has established an impressive
track record with Isuzu.
The revolutionary
VX-O2 off-roadster,
four-door VX-4
and the Rodeo VX concept vehicles came to life at IDC.
The Axiom XSF custom ground effects body kit sports unique front and rear
air dams, rocker sills, rear spoiler, integrated wheel arch and bodyside
moldings, a redesigned hood with functional air outlets and a performance
blister to allow clearance for the supercharger.
A monotone paint treatment
in a dazzling shade of Excessive Red was applied by IDC utilizing glass bead
technology specially formulated by Nippon Paint.
This process employs
embedded glass beads and micro-mirrors for new levels of color depth and
intensity.
A custom black-mesh grille and quad fog lights endow Axiom XSF
with a more aggressive street presence.
Supercharged Performance
Unlike some concepts that are ''all show, no go,'' the Axiom XSF is ready to
deliver performance the driver can experience.
An AutoRotor supercharger and
a Laminova intercooler boost the output of Axiom's 3.5-liter, dual-overhead
cam 24-valve V6 engine to an impressive 275 peak horsepower and a stout 260
pounds-feet of peak torque.
That represents a net gain of 45 horsepower and
30 foot-pounds of torque over the stock powerplant.
Mounted on top of the
engine, the supercharger interfaces with Axiom's drive-by-wire electronic
throttle control for instant response without the lag associated with a
turbocharger.
The screw-type supercharger creates a pumping effect that
forces more air and fuel into the engine with a maximum boost of 5 psi at full
throttle.
A Borla cat-back dual exhaust system has been tuned to the
supercharger's airflow characteristics to maximize performance and add a rich,
throaty sound.
To enhance agility and provide dynamic sports car-like reflexes, the
lightweight rear-wheel drive Axiom was selected as the platform for the XSF.
A sophisticated four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
transfers power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
Grade-
sensing logic technology prevents the transmission from ''hunting'' back and
forth between gears while climbing or descending steep grades.
Bringing the
Axiom XSF to a stop is the job of massive Brembo F50 drilled disc brakes with
four-piston front calipers.
For a finishing touch, all the calipers have been
painted Excessive Red and are emblazoned with white Brembo logos.
An Eibach-tuned performance suspension endows the Axiom XSF with agile
road manners and enhanced cornering balance.
Sport-calibration front torsion
bars and rear springs lower the ride height while sport dampers, larger front
and rear anti-roll bars and performance bushings round out the package.
A set
of custom-designed 18'' x 9'' HRE seven-spoke polished aluminum alloy wheels are
shod with Pirelli Scorpion Zero 255/55ZR18 high performance cross-terrain
tires.
The Fun Factor
Increasing the fun factor of Axiom's European-influenced interior was the
next step for the design team.
They specified Recaro sport front bucket seats
and a bolstered three-passenger rear seat trimmed in gray point-and-crushed
grain leather with contrasting black bolsters and red Axiom embroidered logos.
The power articulated driver's seat includes adjustments for fore and aft,
tilt and lumbar support.
Body-color accents have been applied to the
instrument panel, shift lever bezel and power window switch bezels.
Custom
red-tone instrument gauge graphics have been specifically designed for the
Axiom XSF.
Aluminum sport pedals and custom-designed floor and cargo mats
complete the interior transformation.
Production Axiom models are fitted with a high-tech Multi Information
Display (MID) that centralizes automatic climate controls and a premium
140-watt AM/FM stereo with cassette and six-disc CD changer.
Axiom's MID also
features a satellite-linked digital compass and a chronometer synchronized
with the U.S. Atomic Clock for precise time, calendar and stopwatch functions.
Driver resources include service reminders, trip computer, instant and average
fuel economy and distance to empty.
Axiom XSF gains Clarion high-grade speakers for enhanced sound quality and
an XM Satellite Radio receiver with a tri-band antenna.
The XM network plans
to provide a new audio experience with unmatched clarity of digital-quality
sound from coast to coast.
With 100 channels of digital programming,
passengers will be able to select music, sports, news, talk, children's shows
and offbeat entertainment.
Utility
As an authentic SUV, Axiom XSF delivers increased utility and cargo
carrying flexibility that outshines typical performance sedans and sport
wagons.
With the rear seats folded, Axiom has an impressive 85.4 cubic feet
of cargo volume.
The 60/40 split folding rear seat allows longer objects like
skis to be carried inside the vehicle while still providing room for a rear-
seat passenger.
An accessory power point in the cargo compartment can be used
to power portable lamps or air compressors.
As a total package, the combination of appearance, comfort, performance
and handling modifications transform the Axiom XSF into an expressive and
individualistic "performance utility vehicle."
Isuzu will closely monitor the
reaction of consumers to the Axiom XSF as it tours the auto show circuit this
season.
Since all of Isuzu's concept vehicles are viable for production, the
Axiom XSF — or a vehicle inspired by its dynamic characteristics — could one
day join the lineup of Isuzu's family of SUVs.