Global News

April 13 2006

2007 Suzuki XL7 World Debut at 2006 NYIAS

The small details add up to provide a car-like ride. The MacPherson strut-type front suspension is designed with long wheel travel, and the design of the struts compensates for coil spring side loads. The bottom of the coil spring is anchored more outboard in the spring perch to relieve the bending load on the strut caused when it was located further outboard to improve stability.

The multilink rear suspension design features a trailing arm plus three additional locating links to allow a low, wide load floor and maximum rear passenger space. The rear-trailing arm is a vertical design that provides flexibility in the twisting direction so the wheel can maintain camber as it moves vertically. The three locating links are designed to manage lateral loads and control the dynamic toe-in of the rear wheel.

The 3.6-liter, V6 DOHC engine is mounted in a double-isolated engine cradle system; the engine mounts to the cradle at four points and the cradle mounts to the rails at four points, providing double isolation from the body. The cradle system features two side load-bearing mounts and front and rear torque reaction mounts. There also is a friction snubber mounted on the passenger side of the engine to help control engine movement sometimes experienced during shifting.

All-Wheel Drive

The available all-wheel-drive system uses an active, electronically controlled rear differential module. The system responds immediately to all-wheel-drive requests and effectively eliminates lag times. A four-mount cradle secures the rear drive module, which is regulated by its own dedicated electronic controller. A new-design propeller shaft fitted with upgraded universal joints handles the added torque.

Hydraulic-Assist Rack-and-Pinion Steering

The fixed-rate rack-and-pinion steering is tuned for responsiveness and good on-center feel. Turning diameter is relatively tight, needing only 41.8 feet for a curb-to-curb turn and the steering wheel requires 2.7 turns for lock-to-lock operation. In addition, the steering column can be adjusted up and down (four degrees) to provide added driver comfort.