Suzuki has unveiled its first pick-up at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, a mid-size truck based on the Nissan Frontier pickup. Developed in collaboration with Nissan, 2009 Suzuki Equator will go on sale by end of 2008 in the US and will be available in crew cab and extended cab styles with rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive options. Suzuki says Equator will be offered with two engine options, a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. The price details are not available at this time.

Meant as a lifestyle oriented recreational vehicle, Suzuki has showcased 3 concepts – Equator RMZ-4, Quad and Quay – designed to match their other recreational products and here’s what SMC has to say about these.

Suzuki Equator RMZ-4

Designed to match Suzuki’s performance-oriented motocross motorcycles, the Suzuki Equator RMZ-4 concept offers rugged off-road performance in a Crew Cab. This Equator-based concept, built by the Carlab of Orange, Calif., features a number of exterior modifications, including a bed extender provided by Amp Research, an eye-catching graphic treatment, 18-inch black chrome wheels and specialty Luzlab headlights. The truck’s striking exterior is matched by an equally stunning sound system that includes an Alpine HD-Radio unit connected to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.

Suzuki Equator Quay

Another Carlab creation to debut in Chicago, the Suzuki Equator Quay concept is built to suit recreational boating and watersports lifestyles, with a customized paint job that reflects the look of Suzuki’s line of marine engines. With an Extended Cab, long bed and hefty towing capabilities, the truck also is equipped with a state-of-the-art Visteon nav-control head unit that provides satellite radio, MP3 and navigation capabilities, in addition to Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components. The Suzuki Equator Quay also sports special 20-inch wheels and a matching locking hard tonneau cover.

Suzuki Equator Quad

Built to resemble the Suzuki QuadRunner ATV, and to accommodate a recreational outdoor lifestyle, the Suzuki Equator Quad concept was developed by Torrance, Calif.-based Andry Specialty Vehicles and comes outfitted with a Crew Cab and military “look and feel.” In addition to a custom paint job and a two-and-a-half inch front end lift, the exterior of the truck has been modified with a set of 500 series fog lamps, a safari-style front bumper, front skid plate and tubular rocker guards. To enhance the vehicle’s overall appearance and performance, the Suzuki Equator Quad is equipped with Yokohama Geolander tires that ride on 17-inch custom aluminum wheels and features Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker components.