Car Brief: Suzuki Dune Concept

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

A little ?ute with a big presence
Imagine you're a company that produces adult toys. No, not those kind of toys, rather the dirt bike, four-wheeler, and jet ski variety, complete with thrilling performance, knobby tires, go-fast looks, and a special something that generates smiles whenever someone hops onto the seat. Now imagine that the ride you provide to tow all of these toys, while capable, lacks the same flare. Such is the case with Suzuki, maker of motorized weekend entertainment, and the attractively subdued Grand Vitara SUV.

Enter the Dune concept, an exercise demonstrating what a little creativity and some help from the aftermarket can do to your average four-wheel-drive grocery getter. Based on the redesigned Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Dune replaces flat fender and quarter panels and replaces them with wide flares that deflect debris from upsized all-terrain tires and chrome alloy wheels. Motorcycle-like exhaust pokes out above each rear tire. The front end adds a tweaked fascia with an integrated winch and a lower skid plate, whereas the rear gets taillight covers and a tow hitch that will hook the Grand Vitara Dune concept to about 3,000 pounds of towed gear. Bolted to the roof are four off-road lights and a storage rack that tilts for easier access, with durable running boards affixed to the rocker panels. A beefed-up suspension system contributes to this little ute's 26 inches of ground clearance. Inside, GPS and navigation systems keep one's destination on the radar, while a mobile garage in the cargo area allows for on-the-trail repairs.

We caught a glimpse of the Dune concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and that's where you'll have to go, too, since this bright yellow ride will surely never see the light of day on a dealer's lot. But there's nothing to say you couldn't pick up a new Suzuki Grand Vitara, winner of our 2006 Best Kept Secret award, and build your own big boy toy.

Photos by Ron Perry

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