The next product in the busy Hyundai launch schedule has been leaked online, with new photos showing the 2013 Santa Fe from different angles.

One of the oldest models in the current lineup, the photos show just how dramatic a design change this will be, gaining the brand’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language. Notable is a chrome hexagon grille (part of the brand’s signature), while there are elements of the new Ford Explorer mixed with the BMW X1. Like some of the other Hyundai products (notably the Genesis Coupe), there seem to be design cues taken from Infiniti, particularly with the Santa Fe’s taillights.

Along with the obvious chrome, look for LED light bars for the headlights as well as the use of LEDs for the taillights

No details on engines for the new Santa Fe are yet available, but it’s likely the the 274 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder from the Sonata will find its way under the hood, while a more potent V6 is an option as well.

Look for a possible debut at the New York Auto Show in April.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: Hyundai-Blog]

Infinti is pointing their cross hairs squarely at the Japanese luxury crossover market, hoping that their new JX will be a hot seller capable of boosting the brand, but there could be an arduous road ahead.

Their biggest competition: the Acura MDX and Lexus RX crossovers are their brand`s top sellers, meaning Infiniti will have to pick a few pockets to put the JX in their aspired sales bracket.

“It will become our second-best-seller this year, right behind [the] G [lineup],” Infiniti’s North American vice president Ben Poore said to WardsAuto in an interview.

Despite their high sales ambitions, Infiniti isn’t undercutting the competition, at least not completely. Poore said they plan to start the JX at $41,400 including the destination fee. That means it starts off cheaper than the Acura MDX’s $43,815 tag and pricier than the Lexus RX for $39,950.

As far as specifics for those ambitions are concerned, Poore didn’t name any exact sales targets. Despite that, we know the company’s best-selling G coupe and sedan sold 58,246 total units last year.

That could be a tall order given that the brands current runner-up, the QX SUV, only sold 13,428 units last year. Maybe that’s why Poore is playing coy about actual figures. His statement could suggest a relatively low sales target or a tough push against the competition.

Given that last year Lexus and Acura sold 82,595 and 123,299 RXs  and MDXs respectively, it would seem to be in Infiniti’s best interests not to irk the juggernauts, but instead to siphon off a sliver of tired customers from each when it goes on sale as a 2013 model this March.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

[Source: Ward's Auto via Motor Trend]

Those eagerly awaiting the launch of a diesel Mazda finally have some solid news about the oil-burner’s arrival in the U.S. According to the latest reports, Mazda is planning to have its diesel model on sale in early 2013 – just around 12 months away.

The arrival date of the new Skyactiv-D powered Japanese car was confirmed by spokesman Jeremy Barnes.

What has yet to be revealed is exactly what model will receive the diesel powerplant, although speculation is that the new CX-5 crossover will get the nod, while cars like the Mazda 3 and 6 could follow.

The 2.2-liter four-cylinder is capable of around 160 hp with over 300 lb-ft of torque, handily besting VW’s TDI mill. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the Skyactiv-D engine, however, is that while it delivers excellent torque at low rpm it doesn’t fall on its face as the revs rise. In fact, it redlines at 5200 rpm, as opposed to 4500 rpm in most diesel engines, delivering more of that Mazda zoom-zoom quality.

GALLERY: 2012 Mazda CX-5

For more on the Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel engine see here, or watch our video on the new technology below.

[Source: Car&Driver]

Continue Reading…

In Parenting Magazine‘s first “Genius” issue, a new magazine committed to helping parents find ways to best help their children unlock their “genius” potential, the all-new Infiniti JX SUV was chosen as one of the “Smartest Family Cars Of 2012.”

Editorial Director for the Parenting Group Ana Connery said, “By recognizing today’s smartest cars, Parenting hopes to make it easy for families to use technology on the road, whether it’s for quick run to the store or for an extended road trip vacation. Our editors’ top picks have thought of everything so that parents don’t have to.”

The Infiniti JX, available at Infiniti dealerships by spring 2012, was selected for its many smart, high tech, and family-friendly attributes, including 360-degree external cameras and collision sensors that engage the brakes, actively assisting in accident avoidance. The JX also provides a Google Calendar sync to its infotainment system, so that parents could better manage their busy schedules.

Infiniti America Vice President Ben Poore said, “The Infiniti JX’s features were inspired by families who told us they wanted a luxury vehicle with features like the world’s first Backup Collision Intervention system, an Around View Monitor and not having to take out a child safety seat to get access to the 3rd Row. We’re proud that Parenting magazine recognized our desire to make hectic family lives a little more efficient and much more enjoyable.”

Among the list of “Smartest Family Cars of 2012″ is another Nissan product, the Quest minivan. Click here for the complete list of “Smartest Family Cars.”

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

After every auto show there’s normally a lull in new product news as media and PR folks alike decompress. That won’t be the case with this year’s Chicago Auto Show, however, with the reveal of electric car maker Tesla’s new crossover the day after the Chi-town press day.

The reveal won’t be anywhere near Chicago either with Tesla announcing yesterday it would reveal the new Model X at its Design Studio in California. The new model is expected to sit on a modified version of the same platform used for the Model S electric luxury sedan and make use of similar powertrains.

Tesla recently announced pricing for the Model S, which will start at 49,900 after a federal tax rebate. The top Signature package will retail for $69,900 after tax incentives and will deliver a 300 mile range plus a 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds.

Nissan debuted its 2013 Pathfinder Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show but didn’t disclose what would be powering the crossover – apart from the fact it would be a V6 engine. Motor Trend is now reporting that the 2013 Pathfinder will be powered by a 3.5L V6, perhaps identical to what the new JX35 will have.

The JX35 features a 3.5L V6 with 265-hp, 248 lb-ft of torque and we could expect the Pathfinder to have similar if not identical specifications under the hood. Fuel economy for the new Pathfinder will be a big improvement, with Nissan claiming that thanks to significant weight reduction, as well as the use of a new CVT transmission, we should expect gains of up to 25 percent.

What is more interesting though is that Nissan also told Motor Trend that it plans to unveil a second, completely new vehicle at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in April. Nissan stated that no outsider has ever seen this vehicle.

GALLERY: Nissan Pathfinder Concept

[Source: MotorTrend]

See AutoGuide’s First Look video of the 2013 Pathfinder Concept below:

Continue Reading…

Well, it was nice while it lasted, but Audi has decided to drop the new 2012 Audi A6 Allroad from the U.S. market. The original Audi Allroad was introduced in 1999.

Debuting at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, the all-new A6 Allroad features an extra 2.3 inches of ground clearance than the standard A6, and also comes available with front and rear skid plates. The A6 Allroad will also be available in four distinct powerplants, including a strong 3.0L TDI capable of 308-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

While the A6 Allroad won’t be available in the United States, Audi’s new A4 Allroad will join the Q5 and Q7 SUVs in showrooms this June.

GALLERY: 2012 Audi A6 Allroad

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that investigations of the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento have both ended.

The NHTSA first looked into Accord Hybrid models after initial investigations linked unintended acceleration to a fatal accident. After a thorough investigation, the agency found no evidence of defect within the Accord Hybrid. No safety recall has been issued for the Accord Hybrid.

A total of 18 complaints have been reported, relating to fuel spilling from the filler port of Kia Sorento models from 2003-2004. The Sorento’s fuel evaporation system has a canister filter that may clog over time. Excess pressure could build due to the clog and may cause gasoline to spill out of the filler neck. A total of 86,000 Soreno units will be repaired and Kia agreed to provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.

With the 3 Series now directly in its sites with the ATS compact luxury sports sedan, Cadillac is looking to take on the BMW X3 as well.

While the GM luxury brand does already offer the SRX (above), Caddy VP of sales Kurt McNeil has admitted that a new, smaller crossover is under consideration. It would be one that, “would go a little bit more head-to-head with the X3.” McNeil stopped short of confirming the car, saying that no final decision has been made on the product, however, he did drop one important remark that can be seen as a clear sign that baby SRX is on its way.

“The fact that Cadillac is becoming more of a global brand will certainly play a role in that decision,” he said. Small luxury crossovers are one of the fastest growing segments in the auto industry, particularly in emerging markets, and Cadillac isn’t likely to miss out on the surge – especially not when they have an all-new platform in the ATS that can be adapted for just such a purpose.

[Source: AutoNews]

Taking a page out of Ford’s playbook, Nissan appears ready to follow suit in the move from SUVs to crossovers announcing that the 2013 Pathfinder will ride on a car-based unibody platform rather than a body-on-frame truck chassis. Over a year ago, Ford made a similar switch with its new Explorer.

As a concept Nissan hasn’t released many specifics about the car but has said it will be powered by a V6 with a CVT transmission and will continue to offer seating for seven. For more on the new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder concept check out AutoGuide’s first look video from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show below.

GALLERY: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Continue Reading…