Concept cars grabs attention at show
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A major motor show would not be complete without the presence of concept vehicles, as they display a car maker's cutting-edge technology and continuous effort to lead the industry, as well as function as a good PR tool.
The second Jakarta Motor Show and Motorcycle Show have a handful of concept vehicles, although participants have said that they will use the shows primarily to boost sales.
PT Honda Prospect Motor, for example, is displaying the sleek Honda Kiwami, which incorporates clean fuel cell technology.
The Kiwami is quite low at 1.125 meters high, 1.182 m wide and 4.5 m long, with a wheelbase of 2.87 meters. Its design brings to mind a sportster with its low height.
First introduced at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda was the world's first automaker to bring a fuel cell vehicle to the market.
The fuel cell system combines Honda's own high-performance stack and DC motor with advanced hydrogen storage system, to gain improved response and energy efficiency.
Placed in an H-layout for all of its components, the system creates a low center of gravity, lower overall vehicle height and a spacious interior in this four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Another Japanese carmaker, PT Indomobil Suzuki International, is displaying the Suzuki Concept-S2, a compact four-seater convertible that is an improvement on the Suzuki Concept-S.
First introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Suzuki Concept-S2 is powered by an inline, four-cylinder, four-valve 1,597 cc engine with double overhead camshaft (DOHC) technology.
The company, however, has not disclosed details on the lightweight, all-aluminum engine's performance, except that it is naturally aspirated and has fuel injection.
The engine is linked to six-speed sequential manual transmission auto shift (MTA) and has front-wheel drive, while the Suzuki Concept-S, introduced at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, has permanent all-wheel drive.
The Concept-S2's main attraction is its three-piece rotating/retracting roof structure, while the vehicle provides ample space for four people.
The roof consists of a two-piece front section, rear section and a rear window, each powered by an electric motor and retractable into the vehicle's rear luggage compartment.
Suzuki offers next-generation meter design through the use of a multifunctional TFT LCD meter. The instrument panel includes a 13-inch information system for the Suzuki Advanced Navigation System.
Also on show is the Chevrolet Lumina LTZ, brought by PT General Motors Indonesia (GMI), although it is not a concept car. The car has a 3,800 cc V6 Ecotech engine that delivers a maximum 205 hp at 5,200 rpm and maximum torque of 305 Newton-meters at 3,600 rpm.
PT GMI claims the engine provides outstanding fuel efficiency thanks to the use of friction-reduction technology, although it has no plans to market it here in the near future.
The Chevrolet Lumina is also marketed in the Middle East, South Africa and Thailand. The car is available in Australia and New Zealand under the Holden marque.