>>Isuzu VehiCROSS

Isuzu VehiCROSS

Isuzu VehiCROSS
Manufacturer	Isuzu
Also called	VX
Production	1998–2001
Class	Compact sports SUV
Body style(s)	3-door SUV
Engine(s)	3.2 L V6 Japanese Edition 3.5 L V6 US Edition
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	91.8 in (2332 mm)
Length	162.6 in (4130 mm)
Width	70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height	66.9 in (1699 mm)
Related	Isuzu Trooper

The Isuzu VehiCROSS was a halo car for the SUV-specialist company Isuzu. Produced from 1997 (Japanese market 1997-1999) through 2001 (US market 1998-2001), it shared much of its components with the Trooper, including both its 3.2 L and 3.5 L V6 engine that produces 215 bhp (160 kW) at 5400 rpm and 230 ft·lbf (312 N·m) at 3000 rpm of torque. The vehicle also featured the TOD (Torque on Demand) 4-wheel Drive system produced by BorgWarner. It is a small, sporty 2-door crossover vehicle with aggressive external styling, including wheels towards the ends of the vehicle, an aggressive forward stance, titanium "teeth" in the grille, a black hood-insert, and black plastic cladding the entire lower half of the vehicle. The VehiCROSS came equipped with 16" polished wheels in 1999 and 18" chrome wheels during the remainder of production.

The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combines a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low gear four-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. Its computer controlled "Torque on Demand" system, with 12 independent sensors detecting wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing a nimbleness on-road that is unique in the SUV world, its body-on-frame truck construction and unique suspension and 4WD gearing made it very capable off-road.

Sales were intentionally limited, with only 4,309 vehicles being produced between 1999 and 2001, and just 4,153 finding homes in the United States in three years of sales. Total number of units produced in 1997 and 1998 are unpublished. As it stands, the vehicle has an obscure role in history.

Manufacture and Release

Upon its unveiling at the 1993 Tokyo International Auto Show and ultimate Japanese production release in 1997, the VehiCROSS was a design ahead of its time. It was the first time that a Japanese automaker had brought a concept vehicle to production with so little design changes and in so short a time (accomplished through the use of inexpensive ceramic body-stamping dies and the reuse of readily-available Isuzu parts) . The truck was intended to showcase Isuzu's off-road technology, exemplified by the monotube shocks with external heat-expansion chambers (technology normally reserved for off-road motorcycle racing).

Motor Trend featured the VehiCROSS on its May 1999 cover, and included it in its "Top 10 Sport Utilities" for Most Unique Styling.

Four Wheeler featured the VehiCROSS as the "First Runner Up" for Four Wheeler of the Year in 2000 behind the Tahoe Z71; when pitted against: Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, GMC Yukon, Nissan Xterra, Ford Excursion and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The VehiCROSS scored highest of all 6 Mechanically, for Trail Performance and Highway Performance.

Both a concept four-door version (VX-4) and a roadster (VX-O₂) were shown at the 2000 Los Angeles International Auto Show, but neither reached production.

Design Team

Led by Satomi Murayama, chief designer/manager at Isuzu's European office in Brussels, the design team was comprised of an international group: Simon Cox (Assistant Chief Designer best known for designing the Lotus Elan's interior), Joji Yanaka, Andrew Hill and Nick Robinson. The task was to build a "lightweight but tough, fun but environmentally friendly" SUV.

• Winner of the 1999 Russian Spirit of Time Award by the Russian Design Confederation (presented to Isuzu at the 1999 Russian International Motor Show).

In Motorsport

• Class Winner 1998 Paris-Dakar Rally
• Class Winner 1999 Australian Safari Rally
• Winner "Most Unique ^[sic] Styling" Motor Trend 1999 Top 10 Sport/Utes

• Used by Austin Robot Technology as foundation for robotic VX in 2005-2007 DARPA Grand Challenge

Production Details

Exterior	Interior	1999	2000	2001	Total
Astral Silver Metallic	Black/Red	1021	n/a	n/a	1021
Kaiser Silver Metallic	Black/Red	n/a	57	101	158
Kaiser Silver Metallic	Black/Gray	n/a	135	251	386
Victory White or Ironman	Black/Red	420	96	86	602
Ebony Black	Black/Red	564	51	87	702
Ebony Black	Black/Gray	n/a	138	226	364
Proton Yellow	Black/Gray	n/a	111	368	479
Dragon Green Mica	Black/Gray	n/a	125	105	230
Foxfire Red Mica	Black/Gray	n/a	90	120	210
Pearl White Metallic	Black/Red	n/a	n/a	1	1
	Totals	2005	803	1345	4153