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BREA, Calif. – With the introduction of the 360cc Jimny in 1970, Suzuki became the first Japanese automaker to enthusiastically embrace the consumer side of four-wheel drive. Suzuki built on that landmark introduction and its versatile and dynamic product line with the 2009 introduction of the Equator, marking the company’s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market. In 2011, the Suzuki Equator continues to offer an exceptional combination of style, utility, comfort and off-road capability.

The 2011 Equator remains available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles, each offering rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. To accommodate loads ranging from Suzuki’s ATVs to motorcycles, Suzuki offers Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations. In addition, the Equator continues to incorporate class-leading standard safety features, including standard side-impact and rollover airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as well as standard stability control on V6 models.

As with all retail 2011 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Equator is backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2011 Equator offers a choice of either a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing an unsurpassed 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator’s V6 engine features an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, Teflon®1-coated pistons, micro-finished forged steel crankshaft, micro-finished camshafts driven by a silent two-stage timing chain and variable valve timing.

The Equator comes equipped with either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission (available only on four-cylinder models), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly 4WD system that features an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator 4×4 offers comprehensive off-road hardware including Bilstein Performance Shocks, electronic locking rear differential, four-wheel active limited slip traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (DVC), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Hold Control (HHC).

The Equator’s right-sized packaging suits both the work and recreational needs of many pickup truck customers. Though somewhat smaller than a full-size truck, the Equator is built with big-truck toughness and capability. The strong, fully-boxed frame uses a design completely appropriate to the full-size segment – and full-size needs. It is largely constructed of high-tensile strength steel, which is both stronger and lighter than conventional steel.

The Extended Cab and Crew Cab (standard bed) Equator offers a 125.9-inch wheelbase that provides outstanding driving stability and comfort, while its overall length of 206.6 inches provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure. Its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension balances rugged capability with everyday driving comfort. In the rear, a solid axle configuration uses leaf springs with anti-windup bars and long suspension travel for a proven combination of on- and off-road capability and cargo capacity. Moreover, the go-anywhere Equator has all the qualifications to expand a customer’s weekend adventures with a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,300 pounds (V6 Extended Cab 4WD Sport Package and Crew Cab 2WD) to haul Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs and/or a boat with a sophisticated 4-stroke Suzuki outboard motor of up to 300hp.

Additional Equator chassis features include engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system and electronic brake-force distribution for optimal stopping performance in all conditions. Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road-style wheels with beefy BFGoodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with BFGoodrich Long Trail P265/65R17 tires.

The Equator features a contemporary exterior design with a number of signature Suzuki elements, including the prominent hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. A large Suzuki “S” over the honeycomb mesh grille proudly conveys Suzuki’s dynamic spirit and off-road history.

Both standard bed and long bed Equator Crew Cab models are equipped with a standard high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an optional innovative adjustable tie-down system using built in tracks, extending cargo hauling versatility for active and spontaneous lifestyles. The tie-down system employs five special “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo. A full range of accessories are also available for use with the channel system, along with specialized bed accessories that make securing and transporting a motorcycle or ATV easier than in most competitive trucks.

The Equator’s interior strikes a balance between pickup truck function and sedan-style comfort, with both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles featuring flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. Additional convenience features include a dual glove box with locking lower compartment and center console storage with power outlet. A number of power points and cupholders, including one-liter bottle storage in the front doors, are standard throughout the cabin. The Premium, Sport and RMZ-4 packages include standard power mirrors, door locks and windows; cruise control; and remote keyless entry.

The Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4 with Sport package takes it one step farther with a factory-installed moonroof. An exclusive moto-style bed extender increases cargo room for hauling dirt bikes and other gear, and off-road capability is enhanced with the addition of Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. On the inside, the Sport upgrade adds a 380-watt Rockford-Fosgate®2 AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio®3 with eight high-performance speakers plus subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth®4 and audio controls are located on the steering wheel so drivers can keep their eyes on the road or trail.

The Equator boasts a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment, including front and rear crumple zones; dual-stage front airbags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor; three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters; and both a tire pressure monitoring system and a standard stability control for all V6 models. The Equator also performed best among small pickups in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) new roof crush test and received IIHS’ highest rating in side-impact tests.

Putting Equator at the head of its class in safety, all Equator models also come equipped with front seat-side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. Additionally, both Extended Cab and Crew Cab models provide three-point seat belts for all rear-seat occupants, including the center position for the Crew Cab. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor system is provided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.

Pickup truck buyers traditionally demand a wide array of vehicle configurations and powertrain/driveline choices to meet their multi-tasking needs. Equator Extended Cab models are available with a four-cylinder engine and 2WD in Base and Premium trim lines, with the Base offering a choice between a five-speed manual transmission and a Premium five-speed automatic, plus additional amenities. The Premium trim line combines the 4.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission and 4WD and adds a number of additional features.

The Equator Crew Cab offers two trim levels, all powered by the V6 with five-speed automatic transmission. The Crew Cab Sport model offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD. For off-road enthusiasts with a “confident explorer” attitude and appetite, Suzuki offers an RMZ-4 take on the Equator. A name synonymous with Suzuki’s class-leading motocross bikes, the RMZ-4 production model comes ready to kick sand or get muddy. It’s fully equipped with Dana 44 axles, electric rear locking differential, Bilstein high-performance shocks, skid plates and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires.Fog lamps, chrome mirrors and door handles and a bed extender to accommodate motorcycles enhance the outside, while unique RMZ-4 seat material with red stitching, chrome instrument cluster bezel and vent trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further enhance the interior. The numerous champions who have ridden Suzuki’s motorcycles to victory would be proud, and Equator’s owners will be too.

Technical Specifications – 2011 Suzuki Equator

Wheelbase: 125.9 inches (short bed); 139.9 (long bed)

Overall Length: 206.6 inches (short bed); 220.1 (long bed)

Overall Width: 72.8 inches

Engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine;

4.0-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine

Horsepower: 152 hp @ 5,200 rpm; 261 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque: 171 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm; 281 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission, Manual: 5-speed manual

Transmission, Automatic: 5-speed automatic

Brakes: Front ventilated disc brakes and rear ventilated disc brakes; Electronic Brake Force Distribution

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 4-cylinder 2WD: MT 19/23; AT 17/22

V6 2WD: AT 15/20; V6 4WD: AT 15/20