Jimny on juice
Most Suzuki Jimny owners would agree that if they were to upgrade, they’d most likely opt for a bump in power. That’s exactly what a Japanese custom parts company addressed in Las Vegas recently.
Suzuki’s legendary little rockhopper has been around for 50 years in various guises under numerous model codes and has undoubtedly become a cult classic, with the latest fourth generation model proving to be every bit as popular as its predecessors.
The Jimny’s credentials off the beaten track leave little to be desired, with its goanywhere ability approaching giant-slaying proportions when you compare it to much larger 4x4 vehicles that have conquered Africa. It’s no surprise when you consider the low mass, proper low-range gearing, decent ground clearance and aggressive approach and departure angles.
You’d think that the little Japanese rock-crawler’s appearance Stateside would raise an eyebrow or two, because the Jimny isn’t available in the US. That didn’t detract show goers and members of the motoring media, however, who were more than pleased to find it parked at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
But even the most die-hard fanboy would declare the Jimny’s off-road prowess is somewhat dimmed by a relatively asthmatic little normally aspirated engine. That’s exactly the problem Japanese custom auto parts shop Car Style tackled when it modified a Jimny to appear at the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas recently.
Even though official outputs haven’t yet been released, given the size of that Greddy turbocharger and associated turbo plumbing on the K15B engine, it could well be three times the 75 kW stock power peak and easily double the 130 Nm of factory torque. We’ve heard people say that more power would be appreciated, perhaps by using the same engine as the Swift Sport hatchback also by Suzuki, but there’s no better way to make a statement at a place like SEMA than with a big, fat turbo.
Speaking of fat, you’ve probably noticed the 90 mm fenders flares by now – which are already a Car Style staple despite the short time that the fourth generation Jimny has been around. Then there’s also the custom front and rear bumpers – the latter featuring central exhaust exits that leave no room for your registration plate. The look is finished off with Volk Rays TE37 wheels wrapped in chunky Toyo rubber.
Suzuki’s come up with the brilliant Jimny, but perhaps Car Style hit the pinnacle of perfection with their build. You’ll probably have to approach a local tuning shop to do the engine modifications on your own Jimny, but the body kit should be available if it really catches your eye.