Suzuki 1969 |
Fronte 360 (LC 10) (R3 cyl., 2 stroke, 356 cm³, 25 KM-SAE; wb: 1960 mm) |
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In January 1969, the Suzulight Van FE was replaced by the conventionally laid out Suzuki Fronte Van (LS10). The LS10 features a conventional drivetrain layout (engine in front, rear wheel drive), a rear rigid axle with leaf springs and a wheelbase of 1,995 mm (78.5 in). Design is square in style, radically different from the Fronte sedan. The rear opening is a single unit, hinged at the top. The engine is the air-cooled 356 cc LC10 two-cycle three-cylinder unit detuned to 25 hp giving a top speed of 105 km/h. The Van (and its subsequent siblings) has MacPherson struts in front and semi-elliptic leaf springs in rear. Unusually for Japanese cars, the spare wheel is mounted in the engine compartment to help free up more space for luggage. An export version introduced in January 1969, the Suzuki Fronte 500 with the engine enlarged to 475 cc only built in De Luxe trim. The 500 produces 29 PS at 6000 rpm.The
tiny Fronte 500 measures just 3 meters and weights 425 kg, but provides 4 speed, all synchromesh gearbox and all independent suspension. In according to the advertisment leaflet: The Suzuki 800 was discontinued in April. 2717 were built and 2612 sold. Mr. Suzuki's world of micro cars was most fascinating. There were single seater, Group 6 midship engined coupe, long distance rally car and even a dune buggy in his hall, in addition to the production Fronte saloon range. The racing Suzuki 2-stroke transverse 3-cylinder engine is watercooled and puts out whopping 50 h.p. at 9,500 r.p.m. from 356 c.c. There was also a 500 c.c. version rated at over 60 h.p.! Suzuki's works monoposto scales only 250 kg. on the weighbridge, and it could reach 125 m.p.h. with ease. All from 360 c.c.! The production Fronte saloon is a pleasant and lively car with an aircooled 3-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. Soon the export 500 will join the catalogue.
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