I think Suzuki's Kizashi engineering team should consider investigating:
-BMW 3-series front end geometry
-unsprung weight
-ground clearance
-fuel tank baffling
-cross-wind aerodynamics
I think a thorough investigation of these subjects would render an improved vehilce. That's what I think.
Investigation
No longer working with GM after they went with Volks and seems like no longer working with Volks either.
As for geometry, u cant just say that one geometry works so u take it and apply it everywhere. Takes a lot of R&D, which is why a camry, a passat, an a4 and a 3-series or any other car in the world has different geometry. Unsprung weight is mostly due to materials and luxury items, this car is loaded up with safety and premium heavy items not to mention that if u want the doors and frame to feel premium you can't skimp on materials. Its that you get like the "door thumps" or something. Ground clearance, are u saying it should be higher or lower? Lower wouldn't clear curbs, higher would ruin the "sporty" nature of the car. Fuel tank baffles not much to say to that one could be done, i dont feel a different without it so i couldnt care less. As for cross wind aero, i think overall aero could be smoother. Probably useless gas make everything more efficient.
As for geometry, u cant just say that one geometry works so u take it and apply it everywhere. Takes a lot of R&D, which is why a camry, a passat, an a4 and a 3-series or any other car in the world has different geometry. Unsprung weight is mostly due to materials and luxury items, this car is loaded up with safety and premium heavy items not to mention that if u want the doors and frame to feel premium you can't skimp on materials. Its that you get like the "door thumps" or something. Ground clearance, are u saying it should be higher or lower? Lower wouldn't clear curbs, higher would ruin the "sporty" nature of the car. Fuel tank baffles not much to say to that one could be done, i dont feel a different without it so i couldnt care less. As for cross wind aero, i think overall aero could be smoother. Probably useless gas make everything more efficient.
I did not suggest that one geometry could be cloned across brand lines, I suggested a thorough investigation of a known performer might yield further insights for Kizashi improvement. I might also suggest research into stiction, compression dampening, and appropriate tuning for the intended customer.
"Unsprung weight" is exactly that, the weight suspended past the dampening component.
Wheel hubs, wheels, tires, brake components, even certain suspension components make up unsprung weight.
Reducing that weight can allow the dampening components to better control motions.
Ground clearance should be sufficient to clear most common road debris.
Gas tank baffling can reduce (sloshing) noise, and provide for sufficient pick-up under cornering loads.
Since the Kizashi body shell has been proven past 200 MPH, I think its straight-line performance is fine. But send wind from the side, and the car becomes exceptionally nervous, demanding constant attention and/or correction.
But I appreciate your opinion.
"Unsprung weight" is exactly that, the weight suspended past the dampening component.
Wheel hubs, wheels, tires, brake components, even certain suspension components make up unsprung weight.
Reducing that weight can allow the dampening components to better control motions.
Ground clearance should be sufficient to clear most common road debris.
Gas tank baffling can reduce (sloshing) noise, and provide for sufficient pick-up under cornering loads.
Since the Kizashi body shell has been proven past 200 MPH, I think its straight-line performance is fine. But send wind from the side, and the car becomes exceptionally nervous, demanding constant attention and/or correction.
But I appreciate your opinion.
ah i understand ur meaning now thank you for the well structured explaination to my misunderstandings despite probably looking a bit foolish. BMW is the benchmark for sports sedans these days and I'm sure most companies have looked at their cars, but probably isn't so easy to reproduce. Just like how Porsche took apart the GT-R and analyzed the components and could not see why the heck it was so fast.
Not much to say more about unsprung weight, less weight is usually good. Maybe a price concern? Would be nice to have less weight.
I think the ground clearance is currently sufficient for Canada. The car doesn't act as a snowplow in the winter, no problems with hitting anything so far.
Baffling i still have not much to say about it.
I have not felt this nervous behavior to crosswinds, my other car is a Subaru Outback and THAT has a problem with crosswinds. Maybe it's just a comparative thing but I have not experienced this.
Thank you for your well structured arguments and civilized behavior, I appreciate your input.
Not much to say more about unsprung weight, less weight is usually good. Maybe a price concern? Would be nice to have less weight.
I think the ground clearance is currently sufficient for Canada. The car doesn't act as a snowplow in the winter, no problems with hitting anything so far.
Baffling i still have not much to say about it.
I have not felt this nervous behavior to crosswinds, my other car is a Subaru Outback and THAT has a problem with crosswinds. Maybe it's just a comparative thing but I have not experienced this.
Thank you for your well structured arguments and civilized behavior, I appreciate your input.
I agree with all points and would suggest the same questions could be asked of most any vehicle at this price pioint - I would also add steering to the list (over steer and numb). At the end of the day, the car could be improved - at the same time, it could get worse if they decide to cut costs next time around and, based on some of the value added refinement built into this car, it's very possible.