
Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT sport-touring models in the works, could launch next year
Suzuki is gearing up to expand its middleweight lineup with two new sport-touring motorcycles, the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. These additions, aimed at the 2026 model year, were recently confirmed through a revised executive order published by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The same document also lists the returning GSX-8R, GSX-8S, and V-Strom 800 models, all of which are powered by Suzuki's 776cc parallel-twin engine.
CARB documents confirm GSX-8T, GSX-8TT names
The updated CARB certification, dated June 6, adds the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT to Suzuki's emissions-compliant models for 2026. While the document doesn't divulge detailed specifications, it confirms that these upcoming models will share the same engine configuration and emissions profile as the current generation. That means the 776cc twin will likely retain its output of 80.6 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, mirroring the 2025 versions.
Also Read : 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R with OBD-2B compliant engine launched at ₹ 9.25 lakh. Check details Middleweight touring companion to the GSX-S1000GT+
It's widely speculated that the GSX-8T will take the form of a more touring-oriented version of the GSX-8R, offering riders a more comfortable, long-distance-focused machine within the middleweight class. Such a model would nicely bridge the gap between the GSX-8 lineup and the larger GSX-S1000GT+, Suzuki's flagship sport-touring bike.
Also Read : Suzuki V-Strom SX gets benefits of up to ₹ 5,000. Check details What could the 'TT' in GSX-8TT signify?
The exact role of the GSX-8TT is less clear. Industry speculation suggests the double-T designation may indicate a more premium version of the 8T. If Suzuki follows the precedent set by its "Plus" models like the GSX-S1000GT+ and GSX-S1000GX+, the GSX-8TT could offer factory-equipped accessories such as integrated panniers, a larger windscreen, or enhanced electronics.
Such differentiation would provide riders with options tailored to both light touring and more fully equipped sport-touring needs, all within the same platform family. Likely to debut at EICMA 2025
While Suzuki has yet to officially unveil the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, both models are now certified for the U.S. market. More concrete details are expected to surface later this year, likely at EICMA 2025, where Suzuki traditionally showcases its upcoming motorcycles.
Check out Upcoming Bikes In India.
First Published Date: 14 Jun 2025, 09:04 AM IST

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
India proposes GST rate cut on small cars as Modi reforms spur stock market
India aims to slash taxes on small cars and insurance premiums as part of a sweeping reform of its goods and services tax, a government source said on Monday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan sparked a rally in stock markets. Modi's administration revealed plans of the biggest tax overhaul since 2017 over the weekend, and consumer, auto and insurance companies are likely to emerge as the biggest winners when product prices drop from October, once the reform is approved. The central government has suggested lowering GST on small petrol and diesel cars to 18% from the current 28%, said the source who is directly involved in the matter. The GST on health and life insurance premiums may also be lowered to 5% or even zero from 18% currently, the same source said. Indian markets climbed on Monday, with the benchmark Nifty 50 trading 1.3% higher, on course for its best day in three months. Auto stocks also rallied. The tax cuts 'would enhance affordability, boost consumption, and make essential and aspirational goods more accessible to a wider population,' Mahesh Nandurkar, equity analyst at Jefferies said in a note. 'Maruti (Suzuki) should be the biggest beneficiary of this potential cut.' Modi's deep tax cuts will strain government revenues but are winning praise from businesses and political pundits who say they will bolster his image in an ongoing trade fight with Washington. Central government officials over the weekend said New Delhi has proposed only two rates of taxation—5% and 18%—under the revamped structure. The highest 28% slab will be abolished. The new proposal however will impose a 40% tax on 5-7 "sin-goods" like tobacco products and luxury items. The announcement will not be effective until the GST Council, which is chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, gives a nod. A meeting is expected by October. India's finance ministry did not reply to an e-mail seeking comment. Auto Stocks Zoom Sales of small cars, defined as those having engine capacity below 1,200 cc for petrol vehicles and 1,500 cc for diesel and not exceeding 4 metres in length, have slowed over the last few years as buyers switched to bigger, feature-rich sports utility vehicles. Small cars made up a third of the 4.3 million passenger vehicles sold in the world's third-largest automobile market last fiscal, down from nearly 50% before the pandemic, according to industry data. The tax cut will be a big win for Maruti Suzuki, whose market share has fallen to about 40% from over 50% in the last five years as sales of its small cars such as Alto, Dzire and Wagon-R dropped. The segment makes up half of all cars sold by Maruti—majority-owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. Carmakers Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and Tata Motors Ltd. also stand to gain. Cars with higher engine capacity that currently attract 28% GST and a cess of up to 22%—resulting in total taxes of about 50%—may come under a new special rate of 40%, the source said. The government source added that details are being firmed up to consider if any extra levies should be imposed over the 40% to keep the overall tax incidence for big cars the same at 43%-50%. On the other hand, insurance penetration in India continues to remain low, at 3.8% of GDP, in 2024, according to research firm Swiss Re Institute. The firms believe the lowering of GST will help boost sales of insurance products.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business Standard
Maruti Suzuki India bets on SUVs to offset small car sales slowdown
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is set to expand its SUV portfolio with a second mid-sized model, people familiar with the plan said, as the nation's top carmaker scrambles to counter slowing demand for its bread-and-butter small cars. The Indian unit of Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. plans to launch the vehicle on Sept 3 and hopes it will double its sales in the segment, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing business plans. It will be the first new model to roll out of the company's plant in Kharkhoda in the northern state of Haryana, from where it targets around 10,000 units a month when scaled fully, they said. The launch comes at a critical juncture. Although still the nation's largest carmaker by sales, the Suzuki unit's hatchback-heavy lineup has helped give rivals — Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and Tata Motors Ltd. — a headstart as consumer preference shifted toward SUVs. That, together with shrinking small-car sales, has put Maruti's goal of grabbing 50 per cent of the domestic market, up from around 40 per cent now, in doubt. That would see the new mid-sized SUV retail through Maruti Suzuki's Arena outlets, while the Grand Vitara is sold through the Nexa outlets meant for more premium-positioned cars. Maruti Suzuki didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comments. The new SUV will be only the second product from Suzuki globally in this category, underscoring India's central role in the company's growth strategy. The company 'is struggling to regain lost market share due to continued weakness in its mainstay mini and compact segments, despite a recovery in output and strengthening of its SUV product portfolio,' Tatsuo Yoshida, a senior autos analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, wrote in a March report. Accounting for 60 per cent of Suzuki's global sales, the Indian unit will play a critical role in the success of its parent's fiscal 2026-31 medium-term plan, Yoshida said, adding that by further strengthening its lineup, particularly in SUVs, Maruti can capture expanding demand in rural areas to boost both sales volume and market share.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki to launch new mid-sized SUV on Sept 3 to regain market share
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India will introduce a new mid-sized SUV on 3 September, marking its second offering in the segment as the automaker seeks to counter weakening demand for its small cars and reclaim lost market share. As per Bloomberg the new model — the first to roll out from the company's Kharkhoda facility in Haryana — is targeted to reach a production run of around 10,000 units a month once fully scaled, people familiar with the matter said. Unlike the Grand Vitara, which is sold through the premium Nexa channel, the new SUV will be retailed via Maruti Suzuki's Arena network, positioning it for a more mass-market audience. The launch comes amid intensifying competition in the SUV space, where rivals Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, and Tata Motors have gained ground as consumer preferences shift away from hatchbacks. With hatchback sales under pressure, Maruti Suzuki's ambition to raise its domestic market share from about 40 per cent to 50 per cent has faced challenges. The model will also be only the second in this category from Suzuki globally, underlining India's importance to the Japanese parent's growth plans. Maruti's performance is central to Suzuki's medium-term strategy for fiscal 2026–31, with the Indian arm accounting for about 60 per cent of global sales.