Some of the excuses are completely reasonable. For instance, Honda explains that the vehicle is built on the U.S. Accord platform and not the TSX platform, which is why it doesn't look like the European Honda Accord wagon. They also point out it's aimed at individuals (i.e. moms) in the crossover segment and their research shows it'll appeal to them. This could be true.

What really gets us, though, is this excuse:

The photos: Arguably, the two studio photos we posted didn't give you enough detail, nor were they the best to showcase the vehicle. There are more photos on the way. Maybe it's like a bad yearbook photo or something, and we think the new photos will clear things up.

This is a little hard to swallow. The two pictures are of the vehicle from the front 3/4 and rear 3/4 from different sides. At this point you've done as much as you possibly can to show the car from 360 degrees in two shots. Their post states "[N]or were they the best to showcase the vehicle." We're sorry, but if your vehicle is ugly from 3/4 front and 3/4 back it's just ugly and we doubt more detail is going to change that.

In the end, there could easily be buyers for this vehicle, but they're not the ones being targeted in the Facebook campaign. For one reason or another, 5,700 "fans" were convinced they'd get something like an attractive wagon and this crossover isn't pleasing to the vast majority of them. To quote Facebook user Daniel Ruiz II, "I am a car fanatic and a faithful Honda owner, I might not be the target audience for the car, but you shouldn't need to fit in to a certain market segment to find a car appealing."

The full statement from Honda is below.

Official Honda Statement

Hi, Facebook fans. We're listening, and we want to address a few things you've been talking about over the past few days.
1. The photos: Arguably, the two studio photos we posted didn't give you enough detail, nor were they the best to showcase the vehicle. There are more photos on the way. Maybe it's like a bad yearbook photo or something, and we think the new photos will clear things up. 
 
2. It's not the European wagon: We've seen a lot of comments about the desire for a wagon, but this is neither a wagon nor designed for wagon buyers. We think the Euro wagon is a cool vehicle, too, and we appreciate the feedback… but a version of that wasn't our intention here. That's another segment worthy of our consideration, but the Accord Crosstour, built on the larger, Accord platform, is meant to give you the best of two worlds – the versatility of an SUV with the sportiness of a car.
 
3. Many of you don't like the styling: It may not be for everyone. Our research suggests that the styling does test well among people shopping for a crossover.
 
4. You want further details about the Accord Crosstour: We typically can't give you details so far out from when the vehicle goes on sale for a number of reasons, including competitive intelligence and pure availability. However... we hear your frustrations, and while specs on the vehicle aren't finalized, we're trying to get some stuff together that we hope will satiate some of your curiosity and give you more to think about.
 
5. Honda associates participating in the wall comments: We didn't remove comments out of embarrassment. We removed comments that were posted contrary to American Honda's consumer-generated media policy for associates: We must first clearly state that we are Honda employees and that a posting is a personal - not Honda's - opinion. Eddie forgot to add that, so his comments were removed.
 
Thank you for all of the interest, and we'll be in touch again soon...

[Crosstour Official Facebook Page]

They haven't yet shared a picture of the vehicle with the hatch open, but it appears to slope forward allowing a larger opening than a less-streamlined rear. In fact, it's possible the rear hatch opens in two pieces, with the top opening upwards and the bottom section either opening up by the bottom or side. Whichever way it opens, the new Crosstour is certainly more shapely than the base model Accord.

Frankly, we're just happy to hear the Crosstour will sit atop the Accord family. We mean, it is the big boy in the family, isn't it?

2010 Accord Crosstour Styling Conceals Surprising Versatility

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2009 - The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
"Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan."

Derived from the Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV's increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Accord Crosstour's styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

"We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV," said Berkman. "This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV."

The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in fall 2009. Additional details will be announced later in the year. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars. An Accord Crosstour Facebook page is available at www.facebook.com/accordcrosstour. Additional media information regarding all Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.

Here's what we know about the BMW X1 so far — The little SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) will be derived from the BMW 1-Series with full-time all-wheel-drive (xDrive) and will feature the following roundup of engine choices:

* BMW X1 xDrive20d - 177 horsepower - 8.4 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 132 MPH (213 km/h) - 40.5 MPG (5.8 liters / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive23d - 204 horsepower - 7.3 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 138 mph (223 km/h) - 37 MPG (6,3 Liter / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive28i - 6.7 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 142 MPH(230 km/h)

Sadly, we're told that only the BMW X1 xDrive28i will make it stateside, so give up those hopes and dreams for a high mileage diesel. We'll get the short end of the stick... again. (Hat Tip To Cameron!)

[via xbimmers]

It's fairly obvious that this is a proposal for a large Buick CUV, but it's hard to tell exactly what model this'll eventually turn into given the conceptual nature and constant change within the automaker's design studios. Given that they've opted to build this in full size rather than as a scale model leads us to believe there might be something brewing here.

By the time 2012 hits the Enclave will have been on the market long enough for a mid-cycle refresh, but this don't look like no re-skin job, instead we're willing to bet that this is an all-new model based on a modified version of the current Lambda platform. With the Buick Enclave recently arriving in the Chinese market with some extensive modification, it's likely that this new model is being designed to appeal to a global audience with global safety and powertrain options in mind. It'll be some time before we know for sure, but it's always fun to speculate.

GM's Fourth Theta Variant Spotted on the road—Shows Some GMC Acadia Design Cues

The GMC Terrain has now hit the road giving us our first all-angles look at GM's latest Theta-based crossover for the first time. We spotted it last week in a holding pen, but we were lacking the confirming look at the prototype's grille. The blocky grille looks appropriate for a GMC, and the mesh grille design actually looks like this particular model could possibly be a Denali version.

This prototype gets further separation from its platform-mates (current Saturn Vue, next-gen Chevy Equinox, and the Theta-premium Cadillac BRX and Saab 9-4x), thanks to its blocky wheel arch design. This wheel well design is very similar to its GMC Acadia big brother.

While the upgraded Theta premium models for Cadillac and Saab show signs of a sloping, somewhat "coupe-like" roofline, the standard Theta-based Chevy Equinox and this GMC prototype maintain a flat roofline. Cargo capacity and functionality are clearly a higher priority for GM's volume brands. GMC's Terrain will supplant the Pontiac Torrent in GM's lineup, leaving Pontiac to focus on passenger cars, while playing to the strengths of the GMC lineup. The Terrain is expected to reach the market in mid-2009 as a 2010 model.

Going two better: Nissan Qashqai 2+2 unveiled SUNDERLAND, United Kingdom - As market rivals start to catch up with the segment defining Qashqai, Nissan has already moved the goalposts: the top selling compact Crossover has expanded its offer with a seven-seat version. Called Qashqai+2, the newest Nissan builds on the success of the original Qashqai by adding space and versatility to create the first Family Crossover.

"Qashqai has become an instant success in Europe. Its distinctive style appeals to buyers seeking something different: but that's only part of the story. Dynamic design, generous interior space, top quality materials and genuine driving enjoyment all contribute to make Qashqai a huge European success. Now comes the seven-seat Qashqai+2 to add a new dimension to the range... and to ensure Nissan continues to offer something no other manufacturer in the market segment can match," states Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

Not content with breaking sales records, Nissan's Qashqai - the segment defining compact Crossover - is ready to break new boundaries. With the original version notching-up over 170,000 European sales since launch, Qashqai will soon be joined by a new seven-seat version.

Called Qashqai+2, the new model is seen by Nissan as the first Crossover for busy, active families and with the imminent arrival of the second generation Murano, helps to extend Nissan's Crossover offering to three distinctive models. Sales in Europe will begin in October.

Qashqai+2 customers will be looking for a car which has the space, convenience and utility of a traditional MPV, but who want a more attractive, sophisticated design. Nissan's research shows that customers of the existing Qashqai are clearly attracted to it by its design - three-quarters are new to Nissan - and this is a pattern that will continue with Qashqai+2. Those customers are not attracted to the existing people carriers with three rows. And at the same time, Nissan's research shows that an increasing number of customers in this area of the market are not interested in 'family' SUVs, with a third row of seats. They are perceived as too big and too boxy for their needs.

It is against this background that Nissan's European Product Planning team identified a pool of potential customers who are looking for a stylish yet practical family car. Qashqai+2 continues the Crossover theme so successfully pioneered by Qashqai, by sitting in between two well established segments of the market and drawing customers who aren't quite satisfied by either of those traditional options.

The results of early Qashqai+2 customer clinics showed that potential customers perceived it as being more family orientated, offering more independence, being ideal for going on family holidays and offering more fun than traditional choices.

They also recognised its increased practicality, space and versatility, as well as being more attractive and elegant than its alternatives.

Where Qashqai generally attracts buyers who have no kids or just one kid, or whose kids have already left the nest, Qashqai+2 will offer the rational advantages of a practical family car, with elements such as stylish design, premium interior quality and an engaging driving experience to satisfy the more emotional side of the buying equation.

Like the multi award-winning original, Qashqai+2 has been designed and engineered in Europe and will be built at Nissan's highly productive plant in Sunderland, in the UK.

In January this year, the plant - which produced a record 353,000 vehicles in 2007 - transferred production of Qashqai models built for export to Japan to the company's Kyushu plant in Japan to free extra production capacity for Europe. Furthermore, in June a third shift will be added to meet demand for surging sales.

"The arrival of Qashqai+2 will broaden the appeal of the range still further, so the third shift at Sunderland is absolutely vital if we are to keep up with the high demand for the model," says, Simon Thomas.

DESIGN & PACKAGING
Qashqai+2 shares clear family design DNA with the original, but is subtly different from virtually every angle. Created by designers at Nissan Design Europe in London's Paddington, the new model is essentially identical to Qashqai from the A-Pillar forward... but everything else behind has been changed.

With a wheelbase extended by 135 mm - taking it to 2,765 mm - the overall length of Qashqai+2 has risen to 4,526 mm, an increase of 211 mm over the five-seat version.

To ensure there's ample headroom in the third set of seats, the roofline has been lengthened and re-profiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm.

At the same time, both front and rear doors have been restyled: the window frames of the front door are squarer in line with the re-profiled roofline, while the rear pair are completely new - longer and also with squarer window frames.

Other styling changes include larger side windows at the rear of the vehicle to provide a light and airy environment for occupants of the third row of seats. Further differentiation between five and seven-seat versions is provided by a new tailgate with a deeper rear window and revised bumper profile at the rear and a sleek new grille, exclusive to Qashqai+2, at the front.

Another exterior feature found as standard on Qashqai+2 is a huge panoramic glass roof to give the same light, airy feeling that is so popular with customers on the existing Qashqai. The fixed roof is 140 mm longer than the equivalent sunroof offered on Qashqai and has a one-touch electric operated sunshade.

Additionally, Qashqai+2 has roof rails as standard adding a premium feel to its silhouette, while darkened privacy glass for all windows behind the front doors is standard on all versions.

Styling aside, the nature of the new model means much of the engineering and development work has been concentrated on the rear of the car where the aim has been to make it as flexible, practical and convenient as possible for passengers.

Lengthening the rear doors has improved ingress to the passenger compartment while access to the rearmost pair of seats is further eased by revisions to the middle bench. As well as having a folding backrest, the bench now slides fore and aft to provide walk-in access to the back row.

As well as moving through a total of 100 mm, the middle bench seat now has a three way folding operation on a 40/20/40 split for added modularity. The five-seat version splits on a 60/40 basis. The backrest also reclines and has no fewer than nine adjustment positions over a range from 10 deg to 25 deg of inclination.

The centre '20' portion doubles as a seat or a generously wide multi-function armrest. When used as an armrest, as well as providing a greater feeling of spaciousness for those in the third row, the seat back incorporates two cupholders and a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players, games consoles and CDs. It also has an integrated power outlet. When upright, the box becomes a storage recess for those in the rearmost seats.

THREE ROW VERSATILITY
The third row of seats is ingeniously practical. Designed for children or as occasional seats for small adults up to about 1.6m tall, the angle of the backrest has seven adjustment settings and can, of course, be folded completely flat to increase luggage space. The seats split on a 50/50 basis and each can be folded away simply by pulling on a single strap: there is no need to remove head restraints first.

The addition of a third row of seats allows families the option of transforming their Qashqai+2 into a spacious family car into the 'kids bus', for those busy days out playing sport or weekends away which can be a logistical nightmare for parents, worried about whether the family, kids and their friends, as well as all their baggage will fit.

When folded away, there's a large flat loading area left behind which provides almost 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over Qashqai. The new rear door and revised interior panels mean the loading height has been reduced by 13 mm to 770 mm while, at 1186 mm, the opening width is a remarkable 224 mm wider.

Unlike many seven-seat vehicles, Qashqai+2 has a full depth roller-blind style tonneau cover. With the rearmost seats folded it can be used conventionally but if the third set of seats are to be occupied, it can be removed and stowed in a special compartment under the boot floor. Like the extra pair of seats, therefore, the tonneau can remain in the vehicle at all times.

The lid of the underfloor stowage area, meanwhile, can also double as a cargo divider so fragile shopping - eggs or bottles for example - can be safely loaded where it won't be damaged by heavier items. The load area is set off by a stylish stainless steel kick plate which offers protection to the leading edge of the boot floor when loading heavy items.

RIDE & HANDLING
Mechanically, Qashqai+2 follows the lead set by the original model. That means a stretched version of Nissan's C-platform featuring strut-type front suspension with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link. The suspension assembly is mounted on a subframe which is attached to the body via compliant rubber bushes to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both refinement and ride comfort. A front anti-roll bar is attached directly to the strut assembly for more effective control of body roll under cornering.

A fully independent multi-link rear suspension has been used for precise handling and high-speed stability. Attached to the vehicle via a rigid rear subframe to keep unwanted noise and vibrations to a minimum, the compact assembly features an aluminium rear upper link to reduce weight: the saving is in the region of 4 kg.

The extra length and equipment found in Qashqai+2 has raised the overall weight of the vehicle by approximately 100 kg. Suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight, while steering assistance - all Qashqai models use electric power steering - has also been retuned.

ALL-MODE SAFETY
Two versions of the chassis are available, offering the choice of front-wheel drive or sophisticated ALL-MODE four-wheel drive.

Developed by Nissan, the ALL-MODE system - which is available on 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models - allows secure and relaxed driving with advanced electronics taking care of all traction needs, ensuring that Qashqai+2 has grip at all times no matter how severe the conditions. Unlike some other automatic four-wheel drive systems, ALL-MODE uses advanced electronics rather than hydraulic pumps to ensure drive is transferred between wheels and axles the instant the need arises.

Under normal conditions, Qashqai+2 operates in front-wheel drive which reduces energy losses and saves on fuel. The instant wheel slippage is detected however, a centre clutch in the rear final drive is electronically activated and drive is correctly apportioned between front and rear axles.

The system has three modes, selected via a switch on the centre console. In two-wheel drive mode, the system is permanently set in front-wheel drive, ideal for fine weather on-road use. When the Lock setting is pushed, however, the system switches to permanent four-wheel drive mode with drive split 57:43 front to rear.

The most practical mode, however, is 'select-and-forget' Auto, in which the system is left to its own devices. Sensors linking the engine's ECU with the four-wheel drive and ABS controller constantly monitor wheel slippage and automatically send signals to the electromagnetic centre clutch mounted just ahead of the rear axle to apportion torque correctly.

Left in Auto, the system will automatically compensate for unexpected slippery conditions on-road, such as wet leaves in autumn, early morning winter ice or loose gravel at any time of the year.

ALL-MODE is inextricably linked to Bosch's eighth generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Using sensors linked to the brakes, steering, wheels and the body itself, ESP constantly monitors the way the car is being driven.

In its customer research, Nissan found clearly that existing Qashqai owners who have opted for the ALL-MODE versions enjoy the feeling of confidence and security that the discreet, unobtrusive all-wheel drive system gives them when driving in marginal conditions.

Given its family orientation, customers will appreciate the availability of ALL-MODE on Qashqai+2 thanks to the reassurance it will offer in almost all road conditions that the driver and occupants are likely to find themselves in.

From the steering angle and wheel speeds, ESP calculates what manoeuvres the driver intends to perform and from signals from the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors ESP recognises whether the vehicle might skid off course. In an emergency ESP reacts swiftly, and by selectively applying the brakes at each wheel ESP 'steers' the vehicle in the desired direction.

Qashqai+2 has other electronic control systems, including cornering brake control (CBC) and enhanced understeer control (EUC) in which the system applies the brakes to all four wheels to reduce excessive understeer. Hydraulic fade compensation (HFC) prevents brake fade after a period of heavy brake usage.

The braking system is essentially unchanged from Qashqai, though the adoption of standard 17-inch alloy wheels on 2.0-litre versions has permitted the fitment of larger rear brakes.

THE RUNNING GEAR
Qashqai+2 offers a choice of two petrol and two diesel versions. The entry-level petrol is a lightweight all-aluminium unit displacing 1598 cc, developing 115 PS (84 kW) and 160 Nm of torque. It has four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, multi-point port injection and vane-type continuous intake cam phasing.

Top of the petrol range is another all-aluminium 16-valve design, this one displacing 1997 cc and developing 140 PS (103 kW) and 200 Nm of torque. Some 90 per cent of that torque is available from 2000 rpm providing the accelerative 'punch' more usually expected in larger engines.

Almost as compact as the 1.6 engine, among its key design features is a notable reduction in internal friction. A mirror-like finishing technique is applied to the surfaces of the crankshaft pin journal and the cam lobe journal and to a new machining method that ensures truly circular bores is used: this procedure is common practice in the machining of bores of racing engines but is seldom used in volume production engines.

The entry-level diesel uses the most powerful version of Alliance partner Renault's acclaimed 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine developing 106 PS (78 kW) and 240Nm of torque. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is also fitted as standard. Praised for its fuel efficiency and low noise, it features a flexible flywheel to filter out the effects of acyclic movements. Specifically developed to comply with Euro 4 legislation the engine has a lowered compression ratio (16:1) and a variable geometry, multi-blade turbocharger.

The 2.0 dCi is equipped with a Bosch piezoelectric-controlled injection system to develop 150 PS (110 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Piezoelectric technology gives fast, very precise control allowing a 'five squirt' injection cycle: two pre-squirts, one main squirt and two post-squirts.

The pre-squirts improve engine acoustics by minimising the characteristic diesel clatter. The post-squirts sustain the main injection combustion, to burn off soot and thus bring down pollutant emissions before the exhaust gases have even left the combustion chamber.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) produces a controlled temperature rise in the combustion chamber to reduce pollutant emission levels (NOx) and thus enhance the engine's overall environment performance. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is also equipped as standard with a DPF.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, uniquely in its class, a highly efficient CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol offering a choice between 'stepless' changes or a manual over-ride with six fixed ratios.

EQUIPMENT
Following the lead set by Qashqai, the new family version is available in three different trim and equipment versions - the now familiar Visia, Acenta and Tekna levels.

Depending on the version, standard equipment includes automatic lighting, automatic wipers, speed sensitive door locking, cruise control, privacy glass, electric windows, parking sensors, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan's Intelligent Key. Manual or automatic air conditioning incorporates mild flow ventilation while to provide sufficient airflow for the rearmost passengers, a larger compressor is fitted.

Subtle interior mood lighting is available, while all models benefit from ample storage opportunities, including an under seat drawer, large glovebox and door pockets. Also standard are the full-length panoramic glass roof and roof rails.

All audio systems - a single disc CD/radio, an in-dash six disc changer/radio or a full navigation system with in-dash six disc CD autochanger - incorporate Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone integration allowing remote operation of the phone and caller ID display. The audio system also has a standard auxiliary input connection for MP3 players and other external audio devices.

Qashqai+2 is equipped with six airbags (front, side and curtain), seat belt pretensioners in the front and active headrests.

Popular options include embossed leather trim and the advanced satellite navigation system incorporating a seven-inch full colour display (which doubles as the display for the rear parking camera) and voice recognition.

"Qashqai+2 adds a new dimension to the range and makes it even more versatile than the original. It will appeal not just to larger families, but also to anyone who appreciates its distinctive looks and commanding seating position as well as its extra space and flexibility," says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe.

"While some sales will come from current or potential Qashqai owners, we are confident the majority will be conquest sales from owners currently stuck with a conventional compact MPV: they appreciate the style and dynamism of the original Qashqai but need the extra seats of an MPV... no matter how dull it might be. With Qashqai+2 they can now have the best of both worlds."

Other details we could glean are the the split on the differential may be 40:60, and er, 2008 is the year of the Q5? Help us out here if you're a speaker cause they're probably telling the Q5 will be powered by its driver's sense of self satisfaction and thus they've created perpetual motion. [via Autobild.de (translated)]

As reported earlier, Magna-Steyr will be building the Clubman-based mini-utes starting in 2010. The company is set to produce as many as 80,000 per year with many of the taller wagons set for US consumption. What do you think of the name? [Auto Motor und Sport via AutoBlog]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performed a battery of tests on new SUVs and determined that in 20-mph crashes the following vehicles performed poorly in the area of neck restraint:

BMW X3 and X5; Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Isuzu Ascender; Cadillac SRX; Chrysler Pacifica; Dodge Nitro; Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer; Mitsubishi Endeavor; Hummer H3; Hyundai Tucson; Jeep Liberty; Kia Sportage; Lexus GX470 and RX; Nissan Xterra; Saab 9-7X; Suzuki XL7; Toyota 4Runner and Highlander.

The following big boys all performed well on the neck test:

Acura MDX and RDX; Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge and Ford Freestyle; Honda CR-V, Element and Pilot; Hyundai Santa Fe; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Kia Sorento; Land Rover LR3; Mercedes M Class; Mitsubishi Outlander; Subaru B9 Tribeca and Forester, and Volvo XC90.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic and the GMC Sierra 1500 Classic; Dodge Ram 1500; Ford Ranger and Mazda B Series; Nissan Frontier and certain versions of Ford F-150, Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider.

Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander and Saturn Relay; some versions of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan; and the Toyota Sienna.

Crash test: Larger vehicles a pain in the neck [msnbc.com]

Related:
Kubica's 75Gs, and We Don't Mean Money; Breaking! Top Gear Presenter Richard Hammond In Car Crash [Internal]

Finally, a Chevy crossover [Detroit News]

Related:
The Tri-Lambdas Hit The Hotel Coral Essex: The 2007 Saturn Outlook [internal]

Review Preview: 2008 Saturn Vue XR [Kicking Tires]

Related:
LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue [internal]

According to one self-stated attendee of an Infiniti focus group, posting on GM Inside News, Nissan's luxe brand has been busy on its upgrade path for the FX crossover. Although the current design's freshness date isn't quite up (at the moment), the company apparently has a more powerful, svelte and athletic FX in the works.

Whereas the current FX has a tall front grill, the front of this car appeared much thinner. It was almost like the front of a sports car had been stuck onto the FX. The front was the biggest change and I'm not sold on it yet ... The FX37 gets bumped up to 300 horsepower. The FX50 comes with 390 horsepower and 369 lb.ft of torque. This sold me more than anything. I would guess that if the weight doesn't change that much, this thing must be quick.

Other presentations at the group reportedly included smart cruise control and mirrors that adjust automatically based on seating position. But more important, the group-goer says Nissan also gave a demo of its Around View blind-spot abatement system that will debut on its EX concept crossover at the New York auto show.

There were cameras in front of the car and behind it. On your Nav screen, it would show an outline of the car (as if looking down from the sky) and would paste the images around the car, so you'd have an almost 360 degree view of what was around you.

That's fairly rad. We still don't get how that'll work on a flat nav screen (we're picturing an optional set of 3D goggles), but we'll know more in New York next week. – Mike Spinelli

2009 Infiniti FX37 & FX50 coming... [GM Inside News, also The Mags Report]

Related:
New York Auto Show Preview: Infiniti EX Concept [internal]

Rear-Wheel Drive and V-8 Engine Promise World Class Dynamics and Refinement

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai will present the world debut of Concept Genesis during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. The concept car heralds the future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008.

"Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge."

Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.

"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position — an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design — all at a price starting well under $30,000."

NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE U.S.

Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis' premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.

Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.

TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN

Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC(R) manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.

INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need ... or desire.

MODERN DESIGN

Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.

SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.

Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.

"The Flex carries three rows of seats and unique side doors that open from the middle - in opposite directions, much like French doors do - and are intended to be a modern alternative to the sliding door popularized by the minivan."

...at the News with any kind of sources in Dearborn, and his editors are said to kow-tow regularly to his investigative wiles. And so what's Bryce saying? He's claiming the Flex

"...will not offer the unique clamshell side doors featured on the prototype."

Ford To Debut Flex Crossover, Aiming To Redefine Minivan [CNN]
Ford names new crossover the Flex [Detroit News]

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford Fairlane Mule Spotted?; The Adventures Of The Ford Fairlane Continue: No To Detroit, Yes To Design, No To Zuzu Petals [internal]

Somewhere in Europe, there's a buyer waiting for a high-roof Ford Focus that can trudge through snow like a mini Unimog, while hauling the kids, pets and groceries home from Sainsbury's. Soon, they'll be able to take delivery. Ford's been working on this Focus C-Max allroad for a while, as spy shots have testified. Now, according to Autocar, the four-by MPV is just about a year away. And the soft-roader will reportedly have better on-road manners than goat-trail skills. And that's about as expected. – Mike Spinelli

Ford's baby 4x4 in focus [Autocar]

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 4x4 [internal]

Dodge Caliber Pickup [CWWCarDesign.com]

Related:
Avengermino! The Dodge 1500 Pickup!; Wouldn't You Really Rather Have a Viper-Powered PT Cruiser? [internal]