The Ford Flex never really caught on in the marketplace, but the car has a cult following among a certain subset, who enjoy its quirky looks and seven-passenger layout. Ford unveiled a revised version Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

For 2013, the Flex will get a few changes to help make it more attractive to consumers. The base 3.5L V6 gets a 20 horsepower increase to 285, while the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 remains unchanged. A 1 mpg bump is also applicable to the base V6.

A revised front end (similar to what was previously seen on higher end Flex trim levels) marks the big change for this year, along with an updated interior and a new version of the MyFordTouch infotainment system. Features like a blind-spot alert system, adaptive cruise control push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist will all be available.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Flex

Although we had the chance to drive the 2012 Honda CR-V back in October, Honda has kept a tight lid on both photos and driving impressions. The car got its official reveal Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, just as Ford took the wraps off its all-new Escape.

Like its predecessors, the CR-V will be a strong entry in the small crossover market. New features include a lowered cargo floor and one-touch folding rear seats – two innovations that sound unimpressive on paper, but have amazing real-world practicality, so much so that we think Honda will move a lot of CR-V’s based on sales demonstrations of these features alone.

Honda will need to rely on these sort of touches, because the CR-V is very much an evolutionary re-design without much in the way of big numbers or flashy features. The same 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder is carried over, with 185-horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Front or all-wheel drive is available, and a choice of trim levels, from an economy-minded LX to a fully loaded EX-L with leather, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system, will also be offered. Pricing has not been announced, but Honda claims it will be between $21,000 and $30,000.

You can check out our review of the 2012 Honda CR-V here

Gallery: 2012 Honda CR-V

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show coverage here

Mazda unveiled their latest entry into the compact crossover market at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday, with the 2013 CX-5.  The CX-5 will be the first vehicle to use a full suite of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies, designed to reduce weight and increase fuel economy without compromising the sporty character of Mazda’s offerings.

A 2.0L SKYACTIV 4-cylinder, similar to that of the Mazda3, will be featured on the CX-5, and while power and fuel economy figures weren’t announced 155-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, while two 6-speed transmissions, an automatic and a manual, will be offered. The Mazda3 can get as high as 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and while the CX-5 may not match that, we expect strong numbers nonetheless. A diesel will also appear sometime after launch (Mazda gave no time frame, but has previously started that it will arrive, and initial driving impressions have been favorable. Mazda’s official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: 2013 Mazda CX-5

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The future of the Jeep Liberty will be revealed Wednesday when Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne  will visit the Toledo, Ohio plant that currently builds the truck.

The new Liberty will shed its traditional off-road roots and move to a Fiat-based car platform. While the move to a crossover may anger traditionalist, Marchionne was apparently less than enthused regarding the Liberty’s lagging sales, especially compared to crossovers like the Honda CR-V. There is also talk of reviving the iconic Cherokee nameplate for the new car.

The new platform is expected to underpin as many as 8 future vehicles. Chrysler will invest $365 million in the plant and add 1,105 jobs.

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW‘s X6 crossover is due for a facelift any time now, and our spy photographers have caught the vehicle uncovered.

Like any good facelift, the X6 has relatively minor changes, but is still distinct enough that owners of the previous car will feel compelled to trade up for the latest and greatest.

Engines won’t change, with the 35i and 50i models carrying over their turbo engines. Europe will get the obligatory diesel, while the ActiveHybrid model dies a long awaited death, obnoxious decals and all.

Gallery: BMW X6 Facelift

Subaru is looking to increase the fuel efficiency of its vehicles by 30 percent and will introduce new technologies like turbocharging, different transmissions and hybrid systems to help meet those goals.

First up will be a blitz of new product built on an all-new lightweight architecture that will replace the current platform used by all Subaru products. Subaru’s insistence on all-wheel drive means that its vehicles are handicapped in the fuel efficiency stakes, due to AWD’s extra weight and complexity, and the company must take extra steps to stay competitive in this arena.

Subaru will introduce a third-generation boxer engine, a turbocharged boxer with direct-injection and a hybrid powertrain by 2013. Subaru will also launch its new BRZ sports car and XV crossover (pictured) within the same time period.

[Source: Automotive News]

Get more Subaru BRZ news and info at subarubrzforum.com

The next generation Ford Escape is set to make its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and the decade-old SUV is set to be replaced by a much more modern crossover with three new engines.

Styling-wise, the new Escape should mimic the Vertrek concept (above) that originally debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but the latest announcement comes regarding the new Escape’s powertrains.

Ford’s venerable 2.5L four cylinder will stay in the lineup, but a pair of Ecoboost four-cylinder engines, displacing 1.6L and 2.0L will also be on offer. We expect the Ecoboost motors to be the “premium” offerings, with the 2.0L, 237-horsepower engine being the performance offering of the range. Ford also said that the 1.6L example will beat the Escape Hybrid’s 31 mpg highway rating. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for live coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show starting on November 16th.

Jeep has scrapped plans to build a replacement for their Patriot and Compass SUVs in Italy, and will instead build a subcompact Jeep product in Italy that will also be badged as a Fiat in world markets.

The car will replace the Fiat Sedici, which is itself based on the Suzuki SX4. Jeep will then build a replacement for their two small SUVs, as well as an Alfa Romeo-badged variant in Illinois.

The Compass/Patriot will eventually be replaced by a single model that will likely ride on the same architecture as the Alfa Giulietta, that will also underpin a replacement for the Dodge Caliber.

[Source: Automotive News]

Q3 or not Q3? That is the question. Audi is weighing the merits of bringing its trendy entry level compact crossover Q3 to the U.S. market. Putting economic feasibility into the highest consideration, Audi has to guarantee the Q3′s success by determining the size of its demand and price sensibility. Audi North America CEO Johan de Nysschen stresses Q3′s MSRP must be low enough to entice buyers yet high enough to gain profits.

An unusual detail for an automaker to stall upon, Audi is currently executing a strategic front to gain a stronger market share in the upper luxury segments, notably for the A6, A7, and A8. Perhaps reluctance to throw the Q3 into the mix may in part be an entry model’s conflict to a premium image.

Moreover, BMW has delayed bringing its X1 crossover to the U.S. market as well. An Audi Q3 competitor, the X1 may be reconsidered for the United States after its midlife facelift.

Other Audi models coming into the United States include the A3 sedan for 2014. A ploy to attract owners of the older, smaller B5 generation of the A4, the intelligently packaged A3 is a very attractive model as the A4 sedan grows in size after every redesign.

GALLERY: Audi Q3

[Source: Autoweek]

The BMW X6 is a niche market vehicle, and its sales numbers in North America have reflected its limited appeal. Now one of its variants (perhaps the ultimate niche market version) is getting the axe.

We are talking about the X6 ActiveHybrid. Originally launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the X6 ActiveHybrid has two electric motors which produce 91-hp and 86-hp. When combined with its gas motor, this vehicle produces 480-hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed governed at 130-mph, it was a great performance machine, but with a fuel-economy rating of just 18-mpg combined, it was too thirsty to attract most hybrid customers. In fact, in AutoGuide’s review of the X6 ActiveHybrid, we called it, “both awesome and irrelevant.”

Due to slow sales, BMW is axing the production of this model. Will other variants of the X6 follow this route? Only time will tell.

GALLERY: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Subaru has recalled 69, 590 2011 Outback and Legacy models over defective sunroofs. Vehicles manufactured between August 3, 2010 and July 1, 2011 can have the sunroof’s glass panel detach from the sunroof entirely.

This could understandably cause a serious safety hazard to owners and occupants, as well as other vehicles on the road. Owners can contact Subaru at 800-782-2783, and owners will be notified in October. Dealers will carry out necessary repairs free of charge.

[Source: NHTSA]

The Mazda CX-5 will enter the highly competitive compact crossover segment in the U.S when it debuts in early 2012. The CX-5 prototype was equipped with 165-hp  2.0-liter engine producing 150 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and the American version will likely use the same setup.

A diesel variant available in the U.S, equipped with a 2.2-liter, twin-turbo direct injection engine. The diesel will produce over 160-hp and about 310 lb-ft of torque.

The CX-5 will compete against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage. The CX-5 will be 178.7 inches long, making it more than five inches shorter than the CX-7. The 106.3 inch wheelbase also makes it two inches shorter than the CX-7. The diesel will be added to the crossover in 2014 and will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. Mazda has yet to confirm pricing for the U.S market but Mazda reps say that the base model will sell for around $20,000.

GALLERY: 2012 Mazda CX-5

Click here to read AutoGuide’s drive of the new Mazda SkyActiv prototype and see after the jump to watch the video:

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Just as industry analysts and veterans are convinced that the Lincoln brand will share a similar fate to Mercury, Lincoln is determined to prove the naysayers otherwise. According to global product chief of Ford, Derrick Kuzak, Ford promises no fewer than seven new or improved vehicles in the Lincoln lineup by 2014, a mere three years time.

With introductions staggered between 2012 to 2014, Lincoln is scheduled to begin their launch with a restyled Navigator for its 2012 model year. Expect to find the same 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 found in Ford’s F-series line of pickups.

Also in development is a new compact crossover based on Ford’s next generation Ford Escape, which will be based on a Ford Kuga chassis, a product that’s currently a foreign market exclusive. Another compact car is also in talks but it probably won’t be introduced until 2016, if at all.

Next, the Ford Fusion based Lincoln MKZ will be revised for 2013. However, expect to see the MKZ’s introduction to be slightly behind that of the Fusion as Ford Motor Company will focus much of their efforts in refining, and further separating, Lincolns with a more upscale interior.

The larger MKS sedan is expected to receive a facelift for 2013 as well. Cosmetic enhancements include a freshened grill and side in order to achieve a more streamlined appearance. Moreover, the MKS may also be available with an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine expected in the Taurus at the same time.

As far as Lincoln’s current crossovers are concerned, the big daddy MKT will get new grill and taillight treatments, not to mention a gussied up interior. And finally, don’t expect a redesign for the midsize crossover MKX until 2014.

Although it remains to be seen whether these efforts would place Lincoln back on the map, it is a positive sign to see Ford Motor Company at least try.

GALLERY: Lincoln Line-up

[Source: Autonews]

An old newspaper maxim posits that “dog bites man” won’t make for an eye-catching headline, but “man bites dog” will get people’s attention. Perhaps the automotive equivalent is “Toyota RAV4 Driver Shoots Boy With Crossbow”.

Although information is scant, this is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre stories of the year. According to reports, a boy in San Diego was throwing rocks off of a freeway overpass when he was shot in the stomach with a crossbow. The shooter was said to be driving a black Toyota RAV4, and no arrests have been made.

We would automatically question the motives of anyone riding around with a crossbow in their car, but the RAV4 strikes us as a strange idiosyncracy. There are a thousand other vehicles that one would picture an anti-social maniac drving, and Toyota’s crossover isn’t one of them.

[Source: Toronto Star]

The Dodge Caliber is scheduled to go out of production this November, as a new Fiat-based compact car takes its place. Chrysler enthusiast website Allpar confirms the Caliber’s demise, and lists November 23rd as the final date for the ill-fated Dodge compact.

The Caliber’s replacement is said to get 40 mpg thanks to a government requirement for taking bailout money. Fuel economy was a chief complaint among Caliber owners, and the vehicle never really moved well in the marketplace. As time wore on and sales withered, the Caliber became little more than rental car fodder, and Chrysler’s decision to end production was probably a wise one.

[Source: Allpar]

Today is a miraculous day – not only has Infiniti revealed the final teaser of their upcoming JX crossover, but the newest addition to the Infiniti lineup will get its official reveal today, August 18th.

The seven seat crossover will likely get Infiniti’s 3.7L V6 or 5.6L V8, and a whole suite of fancy gadgets. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for the Infiniti JX’s live reveal and official specs. In the mean time, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Infiniti JX

Honda has planned to discontinue the Ridgeline in 2013, and with this move, there is an opening for a new pickup truck. The next-gen CR-V could spawn a new compact pickup variant.

The CR-V is actually based on the Civic, so the pickup would be more of car based utility vehicle much like the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline was never the top runner in the full-sized pickup sales race but that doesn’t seem to deter Honda.

Other interesting Honda updates includes the launch of an all-new Accord in 2012. The Accord is likely to return with a hybrid variant, which has not been offered since 2007. The gasoline-electric powerplant is likely to also be used in the CR-V. The Crosstour, which has had trouble selling, will be updated with a 2.4-liter four cylinder variant. The Pilot will also be refreshed in the fall of 2013 and there are rumours of the sport-tuned Mugen CR-Z being built. Lastly, Honda announced it would offer a battery-electric “commuter car” in 2012 with sources saying it will be the Fit EV.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Hyundai plans to launch three new or refreshed models in the next year including the i30 (known here as the Elantra Touring), the new Santa Fe and the revised i20. All three vehicles will make their official debut at next months Frankfurt auto show.

The Korean automaker has not released much information on the Santa Fe, other than it’s coming, and is expected to follow Hyundai’s current styling scheme. Tony Whitehorn, managing director of Hyundai UK, said: “We’ve already shown with our other recent models that each car that comes out of this company is quite improved, both technically and in terms of emotional appeal.”

The Santa Fe will also likely feature styling cues from the smaller 2012 Tucson. Sources have noted that the new Santa Fe will get a new “ix” name in Europe to fit in with the rest of Hyundai’s lineup. However the Sante Fe nameplate is well recognized in North America and is not expected to change anytime soon. Stay tuned for more details!

[Source: Auto Car]

Audi is continuing to dump money into the development of its next generation crossovers, with the brand selling 155,000 Q5s globally last year along with 47,700 Q7s. ”There is no doubt…that crossovers are still selling like hotcakes even though the trend seems to be shifting toward more compact models,” says Audi chairman Rupert Stadler. The high-riding Q5 and Q7 will go on a serious diet for their next-generation.

The redesigned Q5 will drop 220 pounds from its curb weight and the Q7 will lose 650 pounds thanks to a new aluminium body. The Q5 will share the same platform as the all-new Porsche Cajun, set to arrive in 2016, with two new models including the Q4 and Q6. The Q6 will feature a steeply raked windshield and low-slung hatch that will take on the BMW X6. Design ideas for the Q4 are still up in the air regarding the shape of the SUV.

The three main ideas suggested include a hardened off-roader, a more luxurious Acura ZDX competitor or a high performance crossover.  Power for both models will come from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, with improved efficiency over the current supercharged motor by up to 20 percent. A plug-in hybrid may also be a possibility utilizing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 100-hp electric motor.

[Source: Automobile]

Like the world’s slowest jigsaw puzzle, the pieces for the Infiniti JX crossover are coming together, eventually.

Here’s the sixth image in a series of seven that parent company Nissan is releasing of their upcoming seven-passenger luxury crossover, in advance of its August 18th debut at Pebble Beach. The bulbous nose shows the same styling influence that gave us the Infiniti M, and the headlights are a little less angry than that of the FX.

The production version of the JX will be shown after Pebble Beach, at the LA Auto Show in November. Until then, we have just one more moody darklit photo of the JX to entertain ourselves with: stay tuned, folks.

GALLERY: Infiniti JX Concept

Subaru announced today that it will exhibit the all-new XV model at the 64th Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The vehicle will be unveiled at the Subaru press conference, scheduled at 9:30 on September 13th.

The crossover will go on sale in Europe later this year, however there has been no confirmation as to whether the XV, currently known as the Impreza Outback in the U.S., will come stateside. In fact, the Euro-XV maybe the basis for the next Impreza Outback wagon, or or it could be an entirely different model. Stay tuned for more details coming out of Frankfurt.

Ford recently announced that the four-cylinder Ecoboost powered Edge achieves  21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the Ecoboost option, an improvement over the 3.5-liter V6 which gets 19 mpg city and 27 highway.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder produces 240-hp and 270 lb-ft of torque,  down 45-hp from the V6 model, but up 17 lb-ft. The Ecoboost engine will be mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission and the vehicle also features active grille shutters that close at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics. Pricing has not been finalized, but the EcoBoost costs $995 above the 3.5-liter V6 on the Explorer, and the same numbers are expected to carryover for Edge pricing.

Honda has launched a recall for about 1.5 million vehicles in the United States to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. The recall will include the 2005-10 4 cylinder Accord, 2007-10 CR-V and 2005-08 Element models. The issue surrounds a bearing in the automatic transmission system that was not built with sufficient strength and as a result, may emit abnormal noise or cause the engine to stall during certain gear shifts. The secondary shaft bearing in affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions. This is most likely done in an attempt to free a car stuck in mud or snow. The software update will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

Honda will begin notifying customers on August 31.