Italian automaker Alfa Romeo has announced plans to introduce an SUV by the end of 2015, Damien Dally, head of the Alfa Romeo brand in the UK, speaking to The Telegraph.

Dally said “There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years.” He said that the Fiat Group’s ownership of Jeep gives Alfa Romeo access to a “whole portfolio of technologies.”

While no other details have been released, the Alfa Romeo crossover is expected to be based on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that recently debuted at the New York Motor Show.

Despite its shared origins, Dally says the new Spider will be “absolutely, 100 per cent an Alfa Romeo” and that it will allow them to sell an open-top model at a lower price than recent Alfa Romeo convertibles.

Most likely, the vehicle will be offered in both front and four-wheel-drive versions, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground for more on any potential new Alfa SUVs or crossovers.

Hyundai will unveil a revised version of its European-market ix35 crossover - will make its first public outing at the Geneva auto show.

The exterior has received a number of subtle revisions, including bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a slightly redesigned upper grille.

We hear the ix35's interior could be in line for a more thorough update, with a quality upgrade and there are tweaks to the engines.

The engine lineup has also receive some tweaks starting with the Nu 2.0-liter GDI petrol engine is tweaked to deliver better efficiency and more power. Also, the brand's 'R' diesel engine gains new clean technology features, such as the LP-EGR (low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation).

To further improve the European-tuned ride and handling characteristics, the ix35 benefits from Hyundai's three-mode FLEX STEER driving system.

Source: Hyundai

Land Rover has created an electric Defender which it will exhibit at the Geneva auto show and set to "go into service in special real world trials".

Developed by the company's Advanced Engineering division, Land Rover wants to use the current model as an experimental vehicle to test a new electric powertrain.

Seven electrified Defenders have been equipped with a 70 kw (94bhp) electric motor with 243 lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a single-speed reduction gearbox and the Defender's existing four-wheel drive system.

The cars also have a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery is good for around 50 miles on a single charge and about eight hours of low-speed off-road running. A portable charger can replenish the battery in ten hours, whilst a fast charger unit cuts this time to four hours.

The battery itself weighs 410kg (903 pounds) and is mounted under the hood. Kerb weight is 100kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055kg to 2162kg depending whether the body style is a pick-up, hard top or station wagon.

Although there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter series production, the seven EVs will go into service in specialist real world trials later this year.

Source: Land Rover

Ford has unveiled the European version of its EcoSport SUV at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.

The EcoSport will be equipped with Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance.

The EcoSport will be one of the first Fords on sale in Europe to offer SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s chief technical officer, said: "We are entering the age of the connected car and debuting EcoSport at Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford."

It will host a range of frugal petrol and diesel engines, and will be available with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that develops 125 HP (92 kW) and the 1.5 litre diesel with 90 PS and the promise of excellent headline economy.

Prices should start at £14,000 when it hits UK showrooms early next year.

Source: Ford

 

Designed especially for United States and Canada, the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept big six-seat SUV will enter production in 2015.

It will replace the elderly and slow-selling Routan MPV with a plug-in diesel electric hybrid drivetrain, the hulking five-door.

The VW CrossBlue makes use of a hybrid powertrain consisting of a TDI Clean Diesel Engine that develops 190 hp (142 kW) and 54-hp front along with DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system.

When the 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged, the car can store about 14 miles of all-electric range at a maximum speed of 75 mph although top speed is reduced from 127 mph (204 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h).

Inside, a 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system controls all audio functions, leather and wood are also used to finish the interior, climate-control system and iPad® mini devices are integrated as monitors in the front-row head restraints.

If the CrossBlue concept receives the green light, Volkswagen will price the SUV above some of its competitors, starting at $32,000 (£19,800).

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Volkswagen CrossBlue concept (pictures) [/alert]

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A new subcompact Honda crossover due in 2014 will take its cues from the Urban SUV concept, entry-level model about nine inches shorter than the automaker's existing CR-V.

The Honda Urban SUV Concept is built on the Fit platform and it looks like a more rugged version of the Nissan Juke.

However, the new crossover seems to share its design more with Acura than any Honda. Underpinning the 4300mm-long Urban SUV Concept is the next-generation Jazz's platform.

In terms of interior space, we expect the small SUV offer standard Bluetooth and touchscreen interfaces on its current Civic and CR-V compacts hasn't been outlined.

Tight-lipped Honda isn't talking about powertrains right now, but we predict this engine would be a 1.5-liter I4 paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Honda says its new small utility vehicle will go on sale late this year in Japan and US sales joining in next year in an effort to double its sales to 6 million units by 2017.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Honda Urban SUV concept (9 pictures) [/alert]

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A refreshed 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, is an attention-getter for both diesel and Jeep fans.

The front fascia of the American off-roader has been restyled showing Chrysler 300-inspired headlights, a revised bumper slopes upward towards the front corners, a restyled lower fascia on both end, a revised seven-slot grille and new headlights with LED running lights.

Chrysler is offering a a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel compression-ignition engine for the Limited - Overland and Summit models, the powerplant delivers a prodigious 420 lb-ft of torque.

"Diesel is still a minority choice, but it delivers everything out customers have been asking for. Clean, efficient and economical and massive torque. We do believe there is a market for diesel and that it will grow with pressure on fuel efficiency," said by Jeep boss, Mike Manley.

Equipped with the EcoDiesel engine, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,400 pounds and go over 730 miles without filling up.

Inside the cabin we notice center stack benefits from either a 5- or an 8.4-inch touchscreen depending on the trim level. Other multimedia include a SD card slot; a configurable 7-inch LCD screen; a USB port and a 12-volt outlet lets passengers charge mobile devices.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (6 pictures) [/alert]

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The 2014 Jeep Patriot adds a new six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission on some models,  which makes it the lowest-priced SUV in the US, sticking with an MSRP of $15,995 (plus $995 destination).

Visually, the Jeep Patriot is a carry-over model inside and out for 2014, with base equipment on the Sport including fog lamps, addition of standard front seat-mounted side airbags, rear-seat heater ducts, illuminated cupholders, an auxiliary input, cruise control and electronic stability control with roll mitigation.

The 2014 Jeep Patriot also gets a standard 158-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine for the Sport and Latitude models. Top Limited models come upgrade to a 172-hp, 2.4-liter version; a five-speed manual gearbox is standard.

Jeep is showing the 2014 Patriot at the Detroit auto show and goes on sale in the second quarter of 2013.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Jeep Patriot (pictures) [/alert]

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Jeep has again upgraded its Compass compact soft-roader to rack up respectable sales numbers, so the 2014 Jeep Compass unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show justified the investment in a refresh.

New headlights and grille give the Compass a more formal and a new acoustic-laminated windshield quiets some of the clatter coming from under the hood.

Exterior upgrades include new frosted tail lights; chrome bezels surrounding fog lamps; 18-inch aluminum wheels; projector-beam halogen headlamps and all models will get body-color side mirrors.

The 2014's upgraded interior adds chrome accents finish for the center stack and shift bezel; vinyl-wrapped armrests and the Sport trim remains relatively stripped. And there are some softer touch points and better graphics, too.

Standard features across the 2014 Jeep Compass lineup include illuminated cupholders; power accessories; cruise control; air conditioning; fog lamps and a removable rechargeable flashlight. A backup camera is now available as an option.

Engine choices will likely remain the same, the Compass remains a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder 'World Engine' and Latitude models and the 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-holer that powers the Limited.

The 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot will hit dealer showrooms in the spring of 2013.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Jeep Compass (16 pictures) [/alert]

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After numerous leaks, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 now features a more distinct look to further differentiate it from the regular Grand Cherokee range.

On the exterior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT also comes with the standard: a blacked-out seven-slot grille; a new 20-inch base wheel design; blacked-out lower fascias; blacked-out headlamp bezels and LED signatures in the new active bi-xenon headlamps round out the rest of the updates.

Inside, Grand Cherokee SRT8 customers are treated to Chrysler's latest Uconnect 8.4-inch touch-screen display. The new lushest model, suede-like headliner and A-pillar treatments, optional copper-colored accents, the Summit has leather seats and open-pore wood trim.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 still features a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine that develops 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Like the regular Jeep Grand Cherokee, the SRT8 gains new Euro-flavoured styling for the new model year, along with the ZF eight-speed auto instead of the musty old five-speed.

Further enhancements are made to the SUV's practicality, as Jeep says the new gearbox capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will make its in-the-metal debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, be sure to hit our dedicated show hub.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (13 pictures) [/alert]

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These are the first images of the new generation 2014 BMW X5 have leaked over the web today via a Facebook page of a Malaysian car model manufacturer.

The new generation of the BMW X5 has been codenamed the F15, has been spotted on a recently launched brochure of scale models made by Jadi Modelcraft.

Judging from these photos - the 2014 BMW X5 will get the front fascia of the 3-Series, new headlights, a more aggressive front bumper, grille design worn by the midsized sedan and wagon, and two fog lights located immediately below the headlights.

There aren't any confirmed details about the engine lineup, but we anticipate a series of four-cylinder engines to be used, both the gasoline and in diesel engines. Although too early to say for certain, it is likely that the car will be offered the latest generation of the xDrive all-wheel drive system.

According to a report, the new platform will have weight savings of up to 100kg and offer improved fuel economy.

These are the first official pictures of the production version of the Renault Captur crossover, following Tuesday's teaser video.

Based on the Renault Clio hatchback, the French firm's latest crossover featuring the new fourth-generation supermini's bold front-end and sculpted side surfaces. The vehicle is 4120mm long, making it longer than the 3,986mm Clio but slightly shorter than the 4,135mm Juke.

Although it's not as striking as the concept, the Captur equipped with upmarket features such as chrome trim all around, a steeply-raked windscreen, LED running lights up front and a two-tone paint scheme.

Renault claims that the Captur is designed to feel like an MPV inside with lots of stowage options and a large boot.

All models will comes with a tablet-like touch screen, keyless entry, control Renault's R-Link infotainment system, parking sensors fitted, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo.

Under the bonnet will be the usual range of Clio engines, including the turbocharged, 3-cylinder, 0.9-liter engine develops 89 hp (66 kW) and 89bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel units CO2 emissions will be as low as 96g/km in the diesel.

The 2013 Renault Captur will be built at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain and will make its public debut in March at the Geneva Auto Show.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Renault Captur (4 pictures) [/alert]

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These are the first photos of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz MLC has been revealed at the website autocar.co.uk.

As a reminder, production of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz MLC sports utility vehicle will take place at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Alabama, USA.

The car is expected to be more aggressively styled than the Mercedes ML including a re-profiled roofline and wider wheel-arches.

Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal details about the new Mercedes-Benz MLC coupe, but the engine is likely to include twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 in the form of MLC65 AMG connected through to a seven-speed automatic.

Production for the Mercedes-Benz MLC is set to commence in 2015.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2015 Mercedes-Benz MLC (3 pictures) [/alert]

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Photos by autocar.co.uk

Subaru’s fourth-generation Forester crossover introduced Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, might not seem to have outstanding looks.

The 2014 Subaru Forester gains an entirely new front end, a rear spoiler, a more aggressive mesh grille, revised fog and headlights, body-colored side mirrors, sleeker tail lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels in place of the standard 17s.

The next-gen Forester gets a significant platform upgrade including 1.4 inches longer, 1.3 inches taller and 0.6 inches wider with a wheelbase that's stretched 0.9 inches.

Inside, Subaru says it has tweaked the cabin for more legroom and cargo room. The dashboard is quite similar to that of the Imprezam, Harmon/Kardon audio and a new gauge cluster.

Power for 2014 Subaru Forester comes from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170hp and 174 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of twist.

Power will be put to all four wheels through the brand's all-wheel drive system, while fuel economy is up across the board, peaking at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the 2.5 with a CVT, bumps of 4 and 5 mpg.

The new Forester will go on sale in the United States early next year along with price start at $21,000 to $30,000 when it goes on sale.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Subaru Forester photos [/alert]

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The all-new 2013 Toyota RAV4 SUV official images has surfaced the Internet, after we had the photos tease a couple of weeks ago.

There are no official details so far, but the car is set to rival cars such as the Subaru Forester, Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.

The photos show the new 2013 Toyota RAV4 that is less boxy and sleeker, sharper aesthetics from Toyota's latest models. From what we can see from these pics everything seems to be pretty loyal with styling cues from the new Toyota Auris.

However, the vehicle's engine range is expected to include a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter that produces 178 hp (133 kW) and a 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 268 hp. These power units will be mated to a new six-speed automatic gearbox to the optionally available AWD system.

Full details will be revealed tomorrow at L.A. Auto Show on Wednesday, November 28.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Toyota RAV4 photos [/alert]

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Via: Woodyscarsite & Carscoop

The Japanese automaker today announced U.S. pricing for the 2013 Nissan Armada full-size SUV with the 4×2 SV model starting at $41,500, which benefits from equipment additions for the new model year.

Five new colors have also been added to the new Nissan Armada lineup and the car is offered in three well-equipped models: Armada SV, Armada SL and Armada Platinum.

All 2013 Armadas are equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque matched to a 5-speed automatic.

For the 2013 model year also adding a new “Platinum Reserve” package priced as a $2,090 option, highlighted by 20-inch dark chrome wheels, dark chrome grille and outside mirrors, higher-grade two-tone Chocolate/Almond leather–appointed seating and dark satin chrome interior accents.

In addition, the Platinum model gets standard dual 7-inch headrest DVD entertainment system; Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System; SiriusXM Satellite Radio and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.

Nissan has hiked the Armada's prices that now start at $46,790 for 4×2 SL model and $54,070 for 4×2 Platinum.

The Porsche Cayenne has been on the market for a few years, in 2014 the Germany automaker will update its Cayenne SUV with a plug-in hybrid variant which could be called the e-Hybrid.

The update will include the typical retouches to the bumpers, LEDs for exterior lighting with four distinct bright spots in each light unit and taillights standard across the lineup.

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid will likely be based on the standard hybrid but the electric motor will be upgraded to produce around 95 to 100 horsepower.

The same report also hinted that the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid is matched to a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 333 horsepower, paired with an electric motor sandwiched between the internal-combustion engine.

The battery will be a lithium-ion unit with a 10 kWh with electric range in the neighborhood of 15 miles. Porsche's e-hybrid system could return a fuel economy as high as 67 mpg.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid photos [/alert]

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The German automaker is planning to introduce a petrol engine option for the 2013 Audi SQ5 model.

The image suggests the crossover will feature a twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine that produces 354 HP (260 kW).

There are also the diesel Audi SQ5 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine develops 313 HP (230 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The car can acceleration from 0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Audi said the SQ5 styling should remain untouched so expect aggressive bumpers, 20-inch alloy wheels, faux-aluminum mirror caps and sport suspension.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Audi SQ5 photos [/alert]

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A pair of Mitsubishi crossovers are set to make their North American will make their debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 10:35 AM on Thursday, November 29, 2012.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander & 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition will ride on different platforms and were developed separately.

Full specs haven't been released, but according to Mitsubishi, the 2014 Outlander will be "among the most fuel-efficient compact CUV with 7-passenger seating as standard".

Featuring a fresh new design direction that emphasizes exterior aerodynamic efficiency, the American 2014 Outlander will be powered by a new gasoline engine equipped with a new version of our advanced MIVEC continuously-variable valve lift timing system for increased fuel economy.

The interior will feature standard seven-passenger seating and a trio of new safety systems including Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition, which was designed to commemorate Mitsubishi Motors' arrival in North America 30 years ago. The car features blacked-out side mirrors; wheel arch trim and roof rails; center bumper; aluminum pedals; black leather seating surfaces; a six-way adjustable power driver's seat; along with dark-chrome alloy wheels and Limited Edition badging.

The automaker said that along with the vehicle presentations, the crossover plug-in hybrid is expected to arrive for sale in the United States next year.

A year since we first heard about the UK's Eterniti Motors, Eterniti Artemis has opened its first showroom in London priced at the local currency equivalent of £210,000 plus local taxes in all markets except China.

Described as being the world’s first “Super SUV”, the Eterniti Artemis aims to provide higher levels of luxury, performance and limousine comfort by today's wealthy car buyers.

The modern facility includes an atelier and design studio a fully bespoke service will also be offered for customers wanting complete personalisation.

The car has twin reclining rear seats with heating/cooling, a drinks chiller with crystal glasses, lambswool carpeting, quilted leather trim, natural woods and iPad ready holders with electronic reveal.

Power comes from a V8 4.8-liter twin-turbo engine produces over 600 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The Eterniti Artemis promises 0-60 mph acceleration of around 4.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 180 mph (290 km/h).

[alert style="green"] Eterniti Artemis photos [/alert]

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