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 Suzuki
The first Suzuki that the Japanese ventured into export was the Brute, a vehicle in the tradition of micro cars. It was only 3.2 m long and 1.3 m wide with a wheelbase of just 1.93 m. With such dimensions, the spare wheel
just barely fit behind the two seats. The engine was accordingly dimensioned at 360 cm3.
Of course, it was a two-stroke engine, which works much better with two cylinders in line than a four-stroke engine. After all, Suzuki came from the tradition of two-wheelers, as you can sometimes still feel today. 23 kW (32
hp), probably measured according to the SAE standard, powered an all-wheel vehicle with a dry weight of just 625 kg with four synchronized gears.
The first deliveries to developing countries failed because they need heavier vehicles that can be mercilessly overloaded. The Brute was popular in America, probably because of its price as a fun vehicle in addition to a
second car. Because it was a bit difficult to imagine as such. In order to reach 80 km/h, the engine had to use the full rated speed of 5500 rpm.
Perhaps not a problem for a Japanese car. But who would dare to do that for normal trips in the USA? Especially since the air-cooled engine also produced quite a bit of noise. Actually, the power should be enough for
easy hill climbs, but the dwarf often ran out of steam. It obviously suffered from its four-wheel drive, which of course always ran even when it was switched off.
On the other hand, the alleged consumption of around 10 liters/100 km hardly bothered the Americans. And as soon as it was off-road, the car showed its extraordinary capabilities. Because here, low weight sometimes
brings enormous advantages over the usual heavyweights. The switchable off-road reduction helps to compensate for the lack of power.
Of course, the short wheelbase and the small overhangs were clear advantages. And it was also noted that they only paid two-thirds of the price of a 'full-grown' off-road vehicle. In any case, it helped exports, so that the LJ
50 could be introduced in 1976. Although it only had 24 kW (33 hp), but with 540 cm3 it had significantly more torque.
And we haven't even mentioned a market that is practically on Japan's doorstep - the Australian one. However, they also competed against Daihatsu's F10L, which at least had a four-stroke engine. In Australia, they
probably paid a little more attention to fuel consumption. Suzuki reacted quickly and just one year later presented the LJ 80 with a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine and 37 kW (51 hp).
kfz-tech.de/PAR213
LJ 800R-4, 797 cm3, 62,0 mm * 66,0 mm, 8,7 : 1, OHC, toothed belt, rocker arm, carburetor, 60 Nm at 3500 rpm, 29 kW (40 hp) at 5750 rpm, front engine, longitudinal, rear drive, front wheel drive
switchable, 4-speed, additional off-road reduction, rigid axles, leaf springs f/r, drums, disk brakes front optional, 6.00 x 16 / 195 R 15, 3,2/1,93/1,4/1,69 m, 9,6 m, 40 liters, 820/320 kg, 105 km/h, 12.500 DM,1978, 1980 (D) -
1983.
This Suzuki was obviously developed for military purposes and only later considered for civilian use. The Eljot probably came along at just the right time to inspire young people, because only a few specialists really
needed the car. With this model, Suzuki opened up the market for light and inexpensive off-road vehicles. And the market in turn enabled the company to be considered a specialist for small two- and four-wheel drives. This
was promptly followed by the SJ 410, which can do everything a little better with a slightly larger displacement.
| By the way, the first video below shows the young Niki Lauda. |
Suzuki buyers were considered to be loyal to the brand, even if the quality did not always live up to the reputation of Japanese cars. This applied less to the mechanics than to the rust formation on all metal body parts,
except for the hood and the ladder frame. At times, plastic parts could be used here, but this destroyed the historical coherence and means that the car is no longer granted favorable registration as a historic vehicle in
Germany.
kfz-tech.de/YAR27
kfz-tech.de/YAR28
kfz-tech.de/YAR29
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