1993 Isuzu VehiCROSS

The 1993 Isuzu VehiCROSS was designed by Simon Cox and made its first appearance at the 1993 Tokyo Auto Show. In an attempt to reshape the then-developing SUV market, Isuzu created a unique vehicle in the automotive world. While most design studios and manufacturers go to great extents to produce outrageous mock-ups and make claims of their mock-ups' great technical ability (based on mostly untested principles), the VehiCROSS concept was produced to do both. The VehiCROSS's objective was to create a "Lightweight, compact, ecologically clean and functional" vehicle and "...to produce an emotional, recreational vehicle, one that you will care about. The design is paramount."

Led by Satomi Murayama, chief designer/manager at Isuzu's European office in Brussels, the design team comprised 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. Isuzu did this in spades.

Features:

• 205 Section tires

• Carbon fiber Grill

• Carbon fiber Hood Insert

• Hood Hinges (the fangs) that open the hood forward

• The rear window opens upward (like a hatch) while the door swings to the side (like the production model)

• Carbon fiber floor panels

• Carbon fiber fuel tank

• Aluminum Chassis (weighs 200 lbs)

• Double wishbone and twin shock absorbers all round

• Direct-injected supercharged 1.6-liter engine (a close relative of the Lotus Elan) is said to produce the power of a 2.2-liter motor

• Fitted Tow-hitch

• Two-piece back door, with the top opening upwards and bottom swinging to the side.

• Motorcycle type binnacle (above steering wheel)

• Vertical Sub-panel fitted with gauges and Sony Satellite navigation system w/LED pop-up Monitor (comes out of dash-top)

Source: wildtoys.com

Images: Isuzu; Aldenjewell's photostream