Zenshi at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
At home, Zenshi has provided a display of a handful of their current lineup, with two models taking the “center stage” of the booth, one being a refreshed veteran, and the other, a fresh new face.
2020 Zenshi XLander
Whenever it comes to off-roading, there exists some customers that prefer to not break much in the bank, or are, perhaps light packers in an active lifestyle. While the idea of a micro offroader is relatively niche in the market, Zenshi has made the decision to show their contribution into the market.
The Zenshi XLander (pronounced Cross-Lander) is Zenshi’s newest addition to the off-road lineup, and possibly their most outlandish one as of recent; it’s a kei car.
Using a modified Taiko Hama chassis, resized to fit itself within the regulations of kei car dimensions, the XLander is what can be considered the “wild child” kei car, akin to Suzuki’s own Jimny. Because of the decision of restricting the XLander to such specifically small dimensions, the XLander is armed with a 659cc Turbocharged Inline-4 engine making 63 HP and 72 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-Speed Manual standard, or a 5-Speed Automatic.
The XLander takes multiple design cues from older off-roaders, such as the 4th generation Pike, with asymmetrical taillights, as well as a side-opening tailgate.
Zenshi expects to release the small off-roader in Japan during the holidays. With the help of Kiwami automobiles, there will be a larger version of the vehicle soon.
2021 Zenshi GT
The eighth generation Zenshi GT will officially undergo it’s first refresh in the 2021MY, with the prototype making it’s appearance here in the Motor Show.
Prototype shown in Typhoon Blue Metallic.
Also for the 2021MY, Zenshi’s lineup will undergo a change within the trim nomenclatures, starting with the GT itself. displacement is to be denoted in 3 digits, topped off with the trim grade designation (compare: 4.8S to 450S, GTS-25 with 250GTS).
The 2021 GT has a variety of improvements up it’s sleeve, with one of the core enhancements being driving dynamics. Now lighter and more nimble than the currently sold variant, the new GT is expected to finish a lap around the Automation Test Track a full-second faster than the GT 4.8S.
Styling-wise, the 2021 GT expresses a similar aggression that the current one boasts, but at a more muted level. Lighting, specifically at the rear, has been redone to fit in better with design flow, the rear diffuser area is much less pronounced compared to the current variant, and side venting has been reworked.
Starting at the 2021MY, the SA48-GDA engine will be dropped for a newly developed V8 engine, the SZ45-GDA. The naturally aspirated 4.5L V8 is based on the GTZ 500R’s SZ50-GDA2T Twin Turbocharged 5.0L V8, and cranks out a fierce 472 HP and 360 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission options include a traditional 6-Speed Manual or Zenshi’s updated AvanTec-7 7-Speed Automatic with column-mounted paddle shifters. With the usage of the 4.5L V8, weight has been drastically reduced, and F/R balance is slightly improved.
The 2021 GT is planned to come with three engine options; the 4.5L V8, and two turbocharged Inline-4 engines, 2.0L and 2.5L, respectively, and is projected to release summer 2020.
