Tuesday 14 April 2015

THE STORY OF JIMNY: LJ20

The Watercooled Jimny



The LJ20 was introduced in the Japanese Domestic Market in May 1972. The LJ20 marked the introduction of a new water-cooled engine, replacing the air-cooled engine used by the LJ10.

The new two-stroke, water-cooled engine gave the LJ20 more torgue at low and mid-range engine speeds and an impressive maximum hill-climb angle of 35°. Durability of the new engine was proven to the world when the LJ20 finished the Mexican 1000 Rally intact after 34 hours of racing against competitors with larger engines.




Other changes include a new front grille with vertical instead of horizontal slats, and the addition of a hard top model dubbed the LJ20V. The addition of the hard top model made the car safer and broadened the LJ20’s appeal to markets in snowy and cold regions.



In 1973, some minor improvements were given to the LJ20. The front road light was separated from the front turn signal lamps, giving the LJ20 two small round lamps next to the headlights on each side of the car.

Earlier LJ20 (left) and the 1973 model (right)

The LJ20 was also produced in left hand drive (LHD), allowing export to various countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Specifications:
Engine: 2-stroke, water cooled, in-line, 2-cylinder (type L50)
Displacement: 359cc
Max. output: 28PS/5,500rpm
Max. torque: 3.8kgm/5,000rpm
Suspension: leaf spring
Dimensions (L x W x H): 3,025mm x 1,295mm x 1,615mm
Wheelbase: 1,930mm

Sources:

Suzuki Jimny 40 Years Global Website
Suzuki Jimny Japanese Website
History of Suzuki 4x4 - Global Suzuki
www.lj10.com
suzuki4x4.cl

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