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 re-shape 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 principle), 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
Carbonfiber Grill
Carbonfiber 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)
Carbonfiber Floor panels
Carbonfiber 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) 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)