Here's the Isuzu VehiCROSS, a forgotten classic futiristic SUV

Forgotten ONES As we all knew that Isuzu is a well-known automotive brand both in Japan and in the world.🐒 Although now its sales might be far behind other Japanese brands, the quality cannot be forgotten. On this occasion, we will discuss one of the unique and rare vehicles ever produced by Isuzu. Well, among the many vehicles produced by the Japanese automaker, there are several models that are unique and rare.

Isuzu VehiCROSS is a compact unique SUV produced ranging from 1997 to 2001 (Japan market to 1999, the US market until 2001). (Picture from: Post.Modoc.id)

One of them is called the Isuzu VehiCROSS, a compact unique SUV produced ranging from 1997 to 2001 (Japan market to 1999, the US market until 2001). This car can also be regarded as a 2-door sporty crossover with an aggressive design character, especially on the exterior. Its aggressive character could be seen from the low overhangs, which gives a sturdy and dashing hangout impressions in front as we could be seen in the fascia, which is decorated with a titanium 'toothed' grille.

Isuzu VehiCROSS can also be regarded as a 2-door sporty crossover with an aggressive design character, especially on the exterior. (Picture from: Post.Modoc.id)

As previously mentioned above, the Isuzu VehiCROSS is considered to have an aggressive and futuristic design. Behind the surprising design, it turns out that there are figures of Shiro Nakamura and Satomi Murayama as design project leaders and managers of Isuzu Europe based in Brussels, Belgium.

The interior of Isuzu VehiCROSS has a pair of Recaro seats, a standard dashboard like that of the Isuzu Panther, and a built-in Momo 3-spokes steering wheel coupled with the Isuzu logoed horn button in the middle.. (Picture from: Post.Modoc.id)

They were not work alone, along the way, a team was involved which was formed globally, consisting of Simon Cox (the best assistant chief designer who designed the Lotus Elan's interior), Joji Yanaka, Andrew Hill, and Nick Robinson. As a result, the Isuzu VehiCROSS got many designing awards such as the Russian Spirit of Time Award from the Russian Design Confederation in 1999.

Isuzu VehiCROSS is built as a share component with the Isuzu Trooper (Bighorn for JDM) models, including both 3.2 L and 3.5 L V6 engines. (Picture from: Post.Modoc.id)

The Isuzu VehiCROSS is built as a share component with the Isuzu Trooper (Bighorn for JDM) models, including both 3.2 L and 3.5 L V6 engines. Both are said to be capable of generating power of 216 hp @ 5,400 rpm and 312 Nm of torque @ 3,000 rpm. Not only releasing power, the wheel rotation was also equipped with advanced features at that time, BorgWarner-made Torque on Demand (TOD) 4-wheel drive.

Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman limited edition model was launched in 2001. (Picture from: InterSport.id)

Reportedly, this unique SUV only made for a few thousand units for the Japanese and United States automotive markets. Many people said that through this model, Isuzu wants to clearly prove to the world that they are able to make sophisticated off-road vehicles and can talk a lot compared to other models that already exist. It can't denied, the Isuzu VehiCROSS is known to be tough and able to "screaming out" in the middle of the off-road specialist SUV segment both in Japan and America.

Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman is powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine capable to spew out great power of up to 422 hp, and is equipped with portal axles. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

At that time, the Isuzu VehiCROSS was sold (especially in the United States) with a price tag of around $32 thousands (approx Rp.434 millions), this figure was considered to be twice as expensive when compared to the Jeep Wrangler. Well, that's not all, it turns out that Isuzu VehiCROSS has a limited edition model called Ironman which was launched in 2001.

Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman interior also gets changes to the material and entertainment features. (Picture from: InterSport.id)

Its appearance then had caused an uproar among automotive observers around the world because it was considered brave to challenge the Mercedes Benz G500 4x4 Squared which was claimed to be the best offroad car in its class.The Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman is powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine. This machine is claimed to be capable of spewing out great power of up to 422 hp, and is equipped with portal axles. On the legs attached 22-inch rims wrapped in 325/55 tires. Due to it is a special edition, the Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman has several additional features that the standard model does not have.

Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman has several additional features, such the upgraded shock absorbers, Victory White color option, special exterior decals, along with Yakima roof rack. (Picture from: InterSport.id)

For example, the upgraded shock absorbers, Victory White color option, special exterior decals, along with Yakima roof rack. Not to forget, the interior also gets changes to the material and entertainment features. The Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman is equipped with a better stereo audio system and Recaro sports seats.

In addition, the Ironman Edition also has a few more touches such as a lift kit that can increase the height of up to 2 inches, uses large offroad tires, manual locking center, and has a winch. For comparison, the Mercedes G500 4x4 Squared adopted a permanent all-wheel drive system, with three driving modes that can be locked even when the car is moving. But when it comes to price, the G500 is still more expensive than the Isuzu VehiCROSS. However, many automotive media mentioned that the Isuzu VehiCROSS Ironman is the Japanese G500. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DANMATHOMOTORS | MOTORTREND | WIKIPEDIA ]

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