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Suzuki builds one for the surfers

CNET Car Tech takes a look at the Suzuki Makai concept car shown at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Wayne Cunningham Managing Editor / Roadshow
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
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Wayne Cunningham

Suzuki Makai concept
Suzuki's concept lacks a roof. CNET Networks/Sarah Tew

One of the more ridiculous concepts at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show is the Suzuki Makai. This car started life as an SX4 Sport edition, but its top was cut off, making it a converted rather than a convertible. A couple of surfboards are mounted on top and might offer some of the protection of a real roof. Surfboards and car are painted a shade of orange suitable for road construction equipment.

Suzuki Makai interior
The Makai's seats look very uncomfortable. CNET Networks/Sarah Tew

The interior features what are probably the most uncomfortable car seats ever devised. They consist of leather belts stretched across a tubular frame, making it a step above lawn furniture. Suzuki's press materials refer to them as "ventilated." We'll have to give them that one. The car is fairly teched out, with a Garmin navigation system planted in the dashboard, a big LCD for entertainment, and a VeaLink audio system with MTX speakers. Given the lack of a roof, we don't think this equipment will stand up to the elements.